How Developers Protect Tenants from Project Delays ASK: We’re developing a site for a tenant, but entitlements and permits keep pushing timelines. How do we keep them confident, and keep the deal alive? ANSWER: Tenants hate uncertainty. When delays stretch on, trust erodes fast. But most of the time, it’s not the delay itself that […]
What Landlords Need to Know Before Signing with a Developer ASK: I own property and a developer wants to build on it. What should I watch out for before signing anything? ANSWER: Partnering with a developer can unlock tremendous value, but it also introduces complexity. Developers bring expertise, financing, and vision, but they also bring […]
How to Structure Leases Around Entitlement Timelines ASK: How do I protect both my tenant and myself when entitlements might take months or longer? ANSWER: The fastest way to lose a tenant’s trust is to overpromise on timing. Entitlements are unpredictable, and most tenants underestimate how long they take. At I&D Consulting, we help developers […]
The Developer’s Playbook for Negotiating Land Deals with Landlords and Tenants ASK: I’m negotiating a land deal and trying to balance what the landlord wants with what my tenant needs. How do I make sure everyone wins? ANSWER: Most deals fall apart not because the site is wrong, but because expectations aren’t aligned. In every […]
How to Build Political and Staff Support Before Your First Hearing ASK: We’ve submitted our plans and are waiting for the hearing, how can we make sure it goes well? ANSWER: Public hearings can make or break your project. By the time you’re on the agenda, decisions are largely shaped by what’s already happened behind […]
Why Aligning with the General Plan Is Your Secret Weapon in Approvals ASK: What’s the General Plan, and why does everyone keep telling me to check it before I buy land? ANSWER: The General Plan is the city’s long-term roadmap for growth. It dictates how land can be used, what kinds of development the city […]
How Pre-Application Meetings Can Save Months in Entitlements ASK: Are pre-application meetings really worth it or just another layer of unnecessary red tape? ANSWER: If you think pre-application meetings slow things down, think again. They’re one of the smartest time investments you can make in the entitlement process. A pre-application meeting is your chance to […]
Community Buy-In: Turning NIMBYs (not in my backyard) Into Project Advocates ASK: How do I deal with community opposition that could kill my project even after planning staff is on board? ANSWER: The finish line for some entitlements are public hearings. Frequently we’ve seen projects where we have staff’s full support but it’s actually the […]
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: You can have the best concept in the world, but if the city doesn’t see […]
Why Utility Access Can Make or Break a Deal ASK: We love the site, but utilities look complicated. Should we still move forward? ANSWER: Utilities are one of the most underestimated risks in development. You can have the land, the financing, and even the approvals, but if you can’t get power, water, or sewer to […]