Owners, investors, and developers facing complex land use regulations are represented by Schwabe.

Overview

Schwabe is a leading land use law firm in the Northwest, committed to helping clients navigate the complex web of regulations and maximize the value and utility of their investments.

Developing creative solutions

Our land use development lawyers work cooperatively with local governments and state and federal agencies to find innovative solutions to a myriad of land use development permitting challenges. When speaking softly proves insufficient, we have the experience and skills to wield the “big stick” of litigation with precision and effectiveness.

Comprehensive land use solutions

We provide quality legal assistance to landowners, businesses, and developers for all types of land use matters throughout the Pacific Northwest, including:

• Single- and multi-family housing and subdivisions
• Destination resort development
• Office and commercial development
• Heavy industrial projects
• Electrical transmission and utility projects
• Renewable energy development
• Energy facility siting
• Natural resources, timber, and mining
• Ports and transportation
• Transportation and access management issues
• Farm and forest land development

Due diligence, project planning, and entitlement

With a wealth of experience, persistence, and strong working relationships with government officials and staff, Schwabe’s land use team helps clients achieve their objectives promptly and cost-effectively.

We pride ourselves on taking a comprehensive approach to obtaining land use entitlements and permits, including careful predevelopment planning, coordination with other permit programs and construction schedules, a solution-oriented approach to local governments, and vigorous appellate advocacy for our clients’ projects.

We are adept at handling land use permits and entitlements, such as subdivisions, conditional use permits, master plans, and more. In so doing, we work proactively and collaboratively with state and local government officials to provide our clients with a smooth process and a desirable outcome. This often includes careful negotiation of public improvement exactions and the use of development agreements to manage potential takings issues.

Finally, we pride ourselves in defending our results before the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, the Washington State Growth Management Hearings Board, and the respective courts of appeals.