Rutan's Land Use/Natural Resources Group integrates the expertise of its Government and Regulatory Law department and its Real Estate department to offer a complete range of land use and environmental law services to clients in both the public and private sectors.
Our public agency work has deep roots: Early in the last century, Rutan drafted the legislation that created the Orange County Water District. Since then, we have become synonymous with government agency law, participating in the creation and operation of several cities and special districts in Southern California, the expansion of the Anaheim Resort area, and the redevelopment of the Port of Long Beach, one of the world’s busiest industrial ports. Rutan is the contract city attorney for twelve municipalities in Southern California and special counsel to dozens more; we also represent successor agencies, school districts, water districts, community service districts, and municipal financing authorities throughout the state.
Rutan’s extensive public sector experience offers a unique perspective that benefits its private clients, as well. Rutan routinely advises residential, commercial, and industrial developers, and can guide a project from the due diligence/land acquisition stage, through the entitlement process, and ultimately to the sale or leasing of the finished product. Should litigation arise, Rutan has experienced trial attorneys to protect the interests of our clients, whether public or private.
Rutan represents clients on all aspects of the land use entitlement process, including compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Complementing our entitlement expertise, we advise clients on government relations, lobbying, and community outreach efforts. We routinely represent clients in all types of land use litigation disputes, with particular expertise in cases involving exactions, dedications, and fees.
Although Rutan originated in Orange County, our attorneys also advise property owners, developers, and public agencies on land use and natural resource matters in Northern California. From its centrally located office in the Silicon Valley, We represent clients on all aspects of the land use entitlement process, government relations, lobbying, and community outreach efforts. Our attorneys also serve as special counsel to multiple public agencies throughout the Bay Area, advising on land use, CEQA, and NEPA matters.
No other California law firm can match Rutan’s century of experience in both the public and private sides of land use and natural resources law. No one has our commitment to service and value. We stand ready to put this breadth and depth of experience to work for you.