The Land Entitlement Process

Entitlements are legal approvals to build: zoning, site plan, subdivision, CUPs, variances, environmental review.

Timeline

Pre-application: 2-4 weeks. Application prep: 4-12 weeks. Staff review: 4-16 weeks. Public hearing: 2-8 weeks. Building permit: 4-12 weeks. Total: 3-24+ months.

Costs

Application fees: $1,000-$25,000. Professional fees: $50,000-$200,000+. Legal: $10,000-$50,000+. Plus carry costs during the process.

Strategies

Buy entitled land, engage neighbors early, over-comply on design, know the political landscape.