New CEQA Reforms and California Housing Development: Qualifying for Exemptions, Project Impact, Compliance Challenges

Mr. Leaderman is a Los Angeles land use attorney who focuses his practice on obtaining entitlements for complex land use planning and mixed-use developments in California. He represents clients in all aspects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In recent years, Mr. Leaderman's practice has grown to include a particular focus on housing (single-family, townhouse/small lot subdivisions and multifamily), as well as mixed-use developments. He uses his knowledge of rapidly evolving California laws, including the Housing Accountability Act, State Density Bonus Law, Housing Crisis Act (Senate Bill 330), accessory dwelling units and Builder’s Remedy to obtain approvals for his clients' projects. Mr. Leaderman has extensive experience in guiding high-profile residential, commercial, mixed-use, hotel and medical/hospital development projects, including master-planned communities, through the approval process. His experience encompasses all types of land use permits, such as variances and conditional use permits, as well as general plan and zoning amendments. He also interacts regularly with governmental agencies at all levels, including local governments and California's Housing and Community Development Department. Mr. Leaderman assists developers in complying with CEQA and planning and zoning regulations throughout the state. In particular, he advises on mixed-use housing development projects in Southern California. He is well-versed in assisting with variances, general plan amendments, zone changes, conditional use permits, site plan reviews, subdivision maps, development agreements and other entitlements or permits necessary to move a project forward. As necessary and appropriate, Mr. Leaderman litigates land use and CEQA matters.

Mr. Phillips represents clients in all phases of the development process, including property acquisition, entitlement and administrative approvals, CEQA compliance, compliance with state housing laws, and negotiating real estate disputes. He has particular experience with State Density Bonus Law, the Housing Accountability Act, SB 35, and Housing Element Law. Mr. Phillips assists private clients to successfully obtain subdivision maps, density bonuses, development agreements, and other land use approvals. He also has served as special counsel to numerous public agencies and provides advice on writing ordinances and legislative findings related to zoning, subdivisions, inclusionary housing programs, rent control and tenant protection measures, and impact fees. In both roles, Mr. Phillips has worked with various clients to negotiate and close purchase and sale agreements, draft loan agreements, create below-market-rate rental and for-sale programs, perform property diligence, craft residential preference programs, and work with technical consultants to prepare Draft and Final EIRs.