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Development Services

Whether you are a seasoned veteran, or just starting out, with the right tools anyone can be a property developer.   

Project Visioning Analysis & Feasibility Study

Prior to any new land acquisition, it is important to address two basic questions: what are the goals of the project and what potential hurdles lie in the way.  As a first step, we conduct a visioning session and feasibility study.

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This process includes:

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  • Identify Client Goals (Desired Outcome, ROI expectations, Timeframe, etc)

  • Analyze Property Potential (Parcel size and shape, Encumbrances, Zoning Statistics, General Plan, neighborhood context)

  • Determine Feasibility of Achieving Goals

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The end goal is to equip a landowner, an investor, or a developer with enough knowledge to make an informed investment decision.

Focused Due Diligence Study

Secondly, we identify and quantify other factors that may affect the feasibility of the project.  Many potential pitfalls may not be known or disclosed by a previous landowner.

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These includes:

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  • Environmental Constraints (Biological, Cultural Resources, Soil Contamination)

  • Wetlands, Ponds and Jurisdictional Streams

  • Topography and Slope Analysis

  • FEMA Flood Plains

  • Geotechnical Soil Conditions (bearing capacity, settlement, expansivity)

  • Geological Conditions (Liquefaction, earthquake fault zones, landslides, global stability)

  • Existing Site Buildings, Condition and Demolition Requirements

  • Availability of Utilities (Storm, Sewer, Domestic Water Mains, Fireflow Capacity, Electricity, Gas, CATV)

  • Stormwater Management & Hydromodification Requirements

  • Development Impact Fees

  • Purchase Agreement Terms and Contract Analysis

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Many of these factors will require a full dedicated study by a specialized consultant once the project begins, but the constraints of time and cost often make this an unrealistic approach during Due Diligence.  Instead, it is important to focus on the factors most likely to apply to the project, determine the degree of risk, and decide whether the risk is manageable within the constraints of the Client Goals.

Architectural Yield Study

If the proposed program satisfies all of the Client's goals, and appears feasible from a site constraints point of  view, the next step is to determine whether the built project can fit all programmatic elements within the site boundaries.

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A detailed study, including a Site Plan and Preliminary Yield Study will be generated taking into account factors such as:

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  • Allowable Density

  • Setbacks (Front, Rear, Side)

  • Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R)

  • Parking Ratio

  • Building Height

  • Lot Coverage

  • Usable Public / Private Open Space

  • Trash Management

  • Circulation and Site Access

  • Site grading and Retaining Walls (for sites with complex topography).

  • Easements and Encumbrances

  • Natural Features (Protected Trees, Drainage Swales, Rock Outcroppings)

  • Density Bonuses and Concessions

Entitlement Project Management

Congratulations!  You have made the decision to proceed and the clock is now ticking.  Not to worry - we are highly experienced in providing support throughout the entire Entitlement Process.

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Specific services includes:

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  • Consultant Team Selection and Contract Negotiation

  • Neighborhood and Political Outreach

  • Collaboration and Advocacy with City Staff Review

  • Design Team Coordination and Project Schedule Management

  • Client Representation

  • Public Hearings

  • Pro Forma and Project Milestone tracking

Pre-construction Services & Owner's Representation

Congratulations again!  The property is entitled and ready to develop.  We will be able to get your project shovel-ready and under construction as smoothly as possible.

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Our management experience includes:

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  • Construction Documents Production, team coordination, and Progress Tracking

  • Final Map or Condominium Map Recording

  • BRE, CC&Rs, HOA Formation

  • Title Issues, including Easement Quitclaims or Dedications

  • Development Agreements

  • Encroachment Permits

  • Outside Agency Permits (PG & E, Water Districts, Sanitary Districts, CalTrans, CDFW, BAAQMD, etc)

  • Construction Bidding and Negotiations, and Contracts Review

  • Lender Financing Packages and Underwriting

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