Land Use

Obtaining approval to develop land or opposing development has become increasingly difficult. Success requires an advanced understanding of land use principles and expertise in the public process.

Our land use and condemnation lawyers understand the current business and regulatory environment. We appear often before reviewing bodies at the federal, state and local levels. We know the procedures, personalities, inclinations and approaches that can work to your benefit.

Our clients include local governmental bodies as well as individuals and organizations concerned about development. We have represented clients in all aspects of land use activities, from opposing industrial development in rural areas to supporting large multiunit, multiparty developments within major metropolitan areas. Our services involve such areas as

• Condemnation and eminent domain
• Municipal law
• Coastal management
• Inland and tidal wetlands
• Planning
• Purchaser, seller, lender and other real estate issues
• Regulatory approvals — both obtaining and defending them
• Partitions and subdivisions
• Zoning and development permit issues

We also work with land use activists to recommend or comment upon land use law or policy. In addition, Garvey Schubert Barer plays an active role in shaping planning and development trends in Oregon, Washington and even nationwide, by participating in legislative and administrative activities, teaching lawyers and others about land use and condemnation issues, and speaking about these subjects in various forums.