Legal Digest

First District says SB 35 doesn't interfere with local powers and trumps Berkeley's historic preservation law regarding the West Berkeley Shellmound.

Flat denial of blufftop house meant the "futility exception" was in play. Cost to the city: $3.4 million and counting.

In the latest skirmish over Los Padres Del Mar -- 10 years after the city approved the project for the second time -- an appellate court has ruled that Pismo and the developer do not have to pay LAFCO's attorneys fees.

... There's no remedy in the law when a lead agency fails to notify an interested party, even though it's against the law. >>read more

Appellate court says citizen group can proceed with Brown Act lawsuit against ABAG regarding CASA Compact approval.

Appellate court overturns decision favoring Department of Finance.

The property owners undertook a major renovation -- apparently beyond what the Coastal Development Permit allowed -- with city permits but without out telling the Coastal Commission.

In followup to 2018 Cal Supremes ruling, appellate court rejects "partial decertification" of EIR.

1,000 homes have been built but appellate court rules county cannot use leftover redevelopment funds for public amenities.

Among other things, the neighbors didn't seek to stop construction until the project was almost built.

State won't reimburse city $20 million for public infrastructure projects.

It depends on which standards are in play in a particular situation, the California Supreme Court rules in a case from Stanislaus County.

City did nothing with historic bank building for 10 years -- except rent it out for filming.