California Land Use & Real Estate Due Diligence: A Comprehensive Guide from Clark Hill
California real estate projects demand a disciplined approach to land use, environmental review, and transactional due diligence. At Clark Hill, we guide developers, lenders, investors, and property owners through each step of this complex landscape—from entitlement strategy to environmental compliance to title and zoning risk. This comprehensive guide brings together essential insights to help you make informed, confident decisions at every stage of a project.
Of Counsel in Clark Hill’s Construction and Real Estate practices, Kamin Kamali, authored this series of articles as a contributor to CEB. Below are excerpts and the full articles can be accessed by CEB members here.
Recognizing the Role of the Applicant as a Real Party in Interest (Land Use)
Strategically discuss with your client the role of the applicant as a real party in interest as it relates to land use due diligence. We completed legal editing and analysis of authorities cited here as of the date listed above.
Identifying the Required Land Use Entitlement Application Components and Review Process
Discuss with your client how to identify the required entitlement application components and understand the review process for land use due diligence. We completed legal editing and analysis of authorities cited here as of the date listed above.
Real Estate Purchase Agreements and Preliminary Title Commitments and How They Affect Land Use Due Diligence
Discuss strategically with your client real estate purchase agreements and preliminary title commitments and how they affect land use due diligence. We completed legal editing and analysis of authorities cited here as of the date listed above.
Read a Preliminary Title Report and Understanding the Limitations of Preliminary Title Reports
Address with your client how to read a preliminary title report and understand its limitations when conducting real estate due diligence. We completed legal editing and analysis of authorities cited here as of the date listed above.
Reviewing Borrower’s Offering Memorandum as Part of Land Use Due Diligence by Lender’s Counsel
Strategically discuss with your client how lender’s counsel should review a borrower’s offering memorandum as part of land use diligence. We completed legal editing and analysis of authorities cited here as of the date listed above.
Perform Environmental Due Diligence for Phase 1
Address with your client how to perform the steps in environmental due diligence for Phase I, to be completed by an environmental consultant. We completed legal editing and analysis of authorities cited here as of the date listed above.