Recent Articles in Legal Digest

90-Day Lawsuit Rule In PZDL Applies Broadly, Court Says

by William Fulton on Sep 8, 2019
Del Mar, Housing, PZDL, Zoning

Challenge to implementation of Del Mar's Scenic View Ordinance fails because plaintiff served city too late in the process. >>read more

Project Description Must Be Specific, Court Rules

by William Fulton on Aug 25, 2019
CEQA, Hollywood, Project Description

Yet another setback for Millenium Hollywood project arises from flexible development potential on project's site as approved by City of Los Angeles. >>read more

Zoning Not Automatically Subject To CEQA, Cal Supremes Say

by William Fulton on Aug 19, 2019
CEQA, Marijuana, San Diego, Zoning

But justices don't let San Diego completely off the hook on bypassing CEQA in adopting marijuana dispensary ordinance. >>read more

Ellis Act Dictates CEQA Baseline

by William Fulton on Jul 28, 2019
CEQA, Ellis Act, Hollywood

A vacant Hollywood apartment building can't be analyzed as if it were still occupied, court rules. >>read more

San Diego County's Approval Of 40-Acre Lots Is Thrown Out

by William Fulton on Jul 28, 2019
Julian, San Diego County, Williamson Act

Appellate court concludes that subdivision was just a residential development in disguise and therefore in violation of the Williamson Act. >>read more

SB 375 Environmental Review Upheld

by William Fulton on Jul 21, 2019
CEQA, infill, Sacramento, SB 375, SCS

Broad ruling in Sacramento case gives cities great lattitude in approving infill projects. >>read more

Hesperia Beats Special District On Solar Control

by William Fulton on Jul 21, 2019
Hesperia, Solar Energy, Zoning

Lake Arrowhead CSD had argued that state law pre-empted local land-use authority over a proposed solar panel project. The Court of Appeal disagreed. >>read more

How Will The Knick Ruling Affect California Planning?

by William Fulton on Jun 23, 2019
First English, Supreme Court, Taking, Williamson County

More local land-use cases may land in federal court -- and local planners still aren't sure what constitutes a taking. >>read more

Alameda Loses Impact Fee Battle

by William Fulton on May 26, 2019
Alameda, Base Closure, Impact Fees, Park Fees

City can't count cost of aquiring land it already obtained for free from the Navy. >>read more

Huntington Park Loses Charter School Zoning Fight

by William Fulton on May 20, 2019
Charter Schools, Conditional Use Permits, Huntington Park, Moratorium

Appellate court rules that "inquiries" are not enough to meet threshold to impose a moratorium. >>read more