Somach Simmons & Dunn represents public and private entities on matters related to land use planning, acquisition of entitlements, development, and conservation. The firm provides the highest level of expertise in permitting, compliance, and litigation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other statutes closely associated with land use projects, particularly in the areas of water supply, water quality, and water rights.  Water supply issues often present unique challenges for development, and our attorneys help developers and public agencies navigate the numerous complex requirements related to water use, including Urban Water Management Plans, SB 610 Water Supply Assessments, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, water transfers, water supply agreements, and the permitting of new public water systems.

We help public agencies and private parties advance environmental review and permitting of land use plans, housing and commercial development, and complex technical public infrastructure projects pursuant to CEQA or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The firm also advises on the interpretation and amendment of general plans and zoning ordinances, local government boundary changes, state and federal regulation of wetlands and compliance with California Fish and Game Code requirements for Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements.

We have extensive experience with conservation planning and compliance and permitting under the federal Endangered Species Act and the California Endangered Species Act, including helping landowners obtain regulatory assurances to protect and provide security for their ongoing operations.

Our attorneys also assist clients with land use due diligence, real estate transactions and litigation, the Williamson Act, takings litigation, and eminent domain.