A Strategic Counselor In Securing Land Use Approvals

Margo is best known for her practical and strategic approach to the land use approval process.  She counsels clients on structuring entitlement strategies that not only satisfy legal requirements, but also maximize client objectives and opportunities to develop political support, neutralize opposition, and minimize the risk of challenge.  With over 30 years of experience in jurisdictions spanning the Bay Area, Margo guides developers, corporate users, lenders, and non-profits from due diligence and entitlement strategy development through successful project approval. She assists clients in securing entitlements for transit-oriented and urban infill projects, corporate campuses (including technology and biotechnology), office and industrial parks, data centers, residential and mixed-use projects, retail and lifestyle centers, senior housing, military base reuse projects, schools, and an array of other projects.

A Trusted Advisor For California Developers

Margo is one of Northern California’s leading entitlements lawyers. Clients trust Margo for practical, experienced counsel on the full gamut of development laws, including general and specific plans, zoning, use permits, design review, subdivisions, development agreements, vested rights, fees and exactions, housing law (including Housing Accountability Act, Density Bonus Law, Builder’s Remedy, Housing Element Law, Permit Streamlining Act, Accessory Dwelling Unit Law, SB 330, AB 2011/AB 2243, and SB 35/SB 423), the Surplus Land Act, cultural resources (including SB 18 and AB 52), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Land Use Advice For Real Estate Acquisitions And Dispositions

Margo advises clients on the land use aspects of acquisitions and dispositions.  She has extensive experience advising both buyers/tenants and sellers/landlords in real estate transactions that are contingent on the receipt of land use entitlements.  Margo also conducts land use due diligence for real estate acquisitions and dispositions and portfolio transactions.