Practice

Land Use

Experienced Lawyers for Complex Land Use Matters

Sheppard advises developers, investors, landowners, lenders and nonprofits on land use, zoning and environmental entitlements.

We navigate local, state and federal approval processes to help clients complete ambitious development projects efficiently and with minimal risk.

Strategic Guidance from Project Concept to Construction

Sheppard’s Land Use team combines legal precision, government insight and creative problem-solving to guide clients through the complex framework of land use regulation. 

We perform zoning analyses and opinions, structure discretionary entitlement applications, prepare and defend California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, and coordinate local, state and federal permits. Our lawyers appear before community boards, planning commissions, city councils, zoning boards and historic/landmark preservation officials at the county, city and special district levels. 

We support projects across residential, commercial, mixed-use and industrial markets, with a focus on growth areas such as multifamily housing, renewable energy, healthcare, senior living and conservation subdivisions. Our work also includes conversions of older commercial buildings to residential uses, as well supporting emerging uses such as battery storage, 3D printing, and recreational cannabis facilities, where existing regulations often require creative and forward-thinking solutions. 

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Areas of Focus

CEQA Documentation and Defense
Sheppard’s experienced CEQA team guides California development with strategic counsel, efficient environmental reviews and strong legal defense. We navigate complex regulations, address opposition and deliver tailored solutions to advance projects of all sizes while minimizing cost, delay and risk.
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Historic Resources
We balance development goals with protecting historic resources. Our lawyers help clients navigate complex federal, state, and local preservation laws, guide adaptive reuse and secure entitlements for projects of all types. With deep agency relationships and technical expertise, we deliver creative, compliant solutions that respect history while enabling progress. 
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Litigation
Developers, landowners and public agencies rely on Sheppard to resolve complex land use and environmental disputes. By focusing on protecting entitlements, minimizing risks and efficiently addressing conflicts, we keep projects moving forward. Clients benefit from our extensive experience in trial and appellate courts, and our practical solutions tailored to their needs. 
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Public Lands
Our Public Lands team guides developers, agencies and energy companies through complex regulations to advance public land projects. We secure approvals, manage environmental compliance and minimize risk, ensuring efficient progress through agency processes. Sheppard draws on deep experience across energy, infrastructure and conservation to deliver practical, legally sound solutions that align with agency requirements and respect public land resources. 
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Water
Navigating the complexities of water rights, quality and infrastructure, Sheppard partners with agencies, utilities and landowners to deliver tailored solutions. From securing resources to ensuring regulatory compliance, we provide practical guidance at every step. Our experience spans groundwater and surface rights, environmental challenges and project financing, helping clients achieve sustainable water management with confidence. 
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Wetlands and Endangered Species
Sheppard helps developers, agencies and energy companies navigate sensitive habitat regulations. We balance compliance with development goals, securing permits and approvals for impactful, sustainable projects. With experience in wetlands delineations, mitigation strategies and regulatory processes, we deliver tailored solutions that protect habitats while advancing progress.
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