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02 · Entitle

Land Use & Entitlements

Entitlements decide what your project is allowed to be. We plan the approvals, prepare the applications and manage the process with Planning & Development through to a decision.

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Who it's for

  • Owners planning new residences, estates or significant additions
  • Landowners pursuing lot splits, lot line adjustments or rezoning
  • Projects requiring a conditional use permit, variance or development plan
  • Architects who want a land use partner alongside the design

What we handle

  • Zoning and Land Use & Development Code (LUDC) analysis
  • Lot splits, lot line adjustments and tentative maps
  • Conditional use permits, variances and development plans
  • Environmental review coordination, including CEQA
  • Coordination with biology, archaeology, fire and water consultants
  • Staff meetings, hearing preparation and conditions of approval

How it works

Five steps, each one documented.

  1. Strategy memo

    We identify every approval the project needs and the order that minimizes risk and time.

  2. Pre-application

    We meet with staff early, so the application answers their questions before it's filed.

  3. Application

    We assemble a complete, staff-ready application with your architect and consultants.

  4. Review & hearing

    We manage staff review, respond to comments and prepare you for any hearing.

  5. Decision

    We review the conditions of approval with you and carry them into permitting.

What you receive

An entitlement path memo up front, and a documented record of every submittal, comment and response through to a decision.

Where we do this workLand Use & Entitlements in Los Alamos · Land Use & Entitlements in Hope Ranch

For design teamsHow we work with architects and builders

Questions

Land Use & Entitlements, answered.

How long do entitlements take in Santa Barbara County?

It depends on the approvals involved. A ministerial approval can take weeks; a discretionary project with environmental review can take many months. The strategy memo gives you a realistic estimate for your specific project.

Do I still need an attorney?

For most projects, no. Where litigation risk, complex easements or appeals are involved, we work alongside your land use attorney or introduce one.

Will I have to attend hearings?

Sometimes the owner's presence helps; often it isn't necessary. Where the process allows, Black Oak and your architect represent the project, and we prepare you fully if you choose to attend.