100% affordable project can't be struck down based on subjective standards or lack of strict adherence to specific plan policies. CEQA exemption based on Downtown Specific Plan was also upheld.

SB 9 implementation, Builder's Remedy, the Berkeley enrollment case and more highlighted this year's planning and development news.

The latest twist in the strange tale of Terraces of Lafayette could have huge implications statewide.

The attorney who is helping developers bring over 4,000 units to Santa Monica nearly overnight shares the nuances of the newly powerful Builder's Remedy.

It's been on the books for 30 years but hardly used. As the Santa Monica situation suggests, however, it could completely upend local planning for housing in California.

Legal Briefs, Sept 2022

The Bankers Hill group tried to shoot down a 20-story apartment building by, essentially, ignoring recent changes in state housing law. They failed.

Judge shifts gears and rules against city in Housing Accountability Act case in light of San Mateo ruling.

Reversing lower court, First District rules San Mateo's "stepback" requirement was not specific enough and required discretion to apply.

In turning down a 48-unit condominium project near Beach Boulevard, did Huntington Beach violate the Housing Accountability Act's requirement that findings be based on objective standards? Or will a fire expert's 11th-hour conclusion that one standard was violated be enough to save the city's case?