Property development may involve erecting buildings, leveling land or addressing marshy conditions by adding drainage systems. Property development is a notoriously lengthy process that requires permits and compliance with both the building code and local zoning rules.
Developers must also ensure that they comply with all environmental rules that apply to property owners and developers. Land that is near the edge of suburban sprawl or well outside of city limits may feature a myriad of different species of plants and animals, and assessment of the biodiversity of the parcel may be necessary to move forward with development accordingly.
Endangered species have legal protection
California has some of the most robust environmental laws in the nation, including development permitting rules that aim to protect endangered species, including all native species local to the region. The state recognizes numerous species as endangered, meaning that they have protection from displacement or destruction is part of a development project.
Those intending to develop a parcel typically need to bring in outside professionals to assess the wildlife and plants present on the parcel. They must determine what impact development may have on any vulnerable species living nearby, especially if the property includes a source of water or food for endangered species. The failure to comply with those rules could result in major development delays or possibly an inability to move forward with a project.
Retaining the support of a land use attorney is critical when preparing for a development project in California. The presence of endangered animals and plants can drastically alter the type of development possible on a property and the steps necessary for legal compliance when planning a project.