How Long Do Entitlements Really Take, and How to Speed Them Up ASK: Everyone says entitlements take forever. What’s realistic? ANSWER: Ask any developer what keeps them up at night and entitlements are usually at the top of the list. Why? Because they take time, and time is money. But how long do they really […]

What’s the Difference Between Entitlements and Permits in Real Estate Development? ASK: I keep hearing “entitlements” and “permits” used like they’re the same thing. What’s the actual difference? ANSWER: If you’ve been around real estate development for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard people use the terms entitlements and permits as if they mean […]

Community Buy-In: Turning NIMBYs Into Project Advocates ASK: How do I deal with community opposition that could kill my project even after planning staff is on board? ANSWER: Entitlement risk doesn’t end when planning staff gives a thumbs up. Community opposition often called NIMBYism (“Not In My Backyard”) can derail a project in public hearings, […]

How to Get the City On Board with a New Development Concept ASK: I have a new development concept I’m excited about, but how do I get the city on board before I spend months (and money) on plans? ANSWER: The fastest way to lose time and trust with a city is to drop a […]

Why Are Utilities Always the Last Thing You Hear About and the First Thing That Delays Your Project? ASK: We got through planning approvals, but now the utility company is holding us up. How can I avoid this on the next deal? ANSWER: Utilities are one of the most common (and expensive) sources of surprise […]