Environment and Land Use Team

The Environment and Land Use (ELU) Team provides legal advice to the Board of Supervisors, the Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Planning and Development, the Roads and Airports Department, and the Office of Sustainability.  ELU attorneys research and analyze novel areas of the law impacting the environment, land use, and sustainability within Santa Clara County, and advise on strategies and implementation measures to respond to the evolving built and natural environment that makes up Santa Clara County.  ELU attorneys regularly prepare ordinances and policies, negotiate contracts, comment on legislation, and advise County officials and departments on a multitude of significant issues facing the County.  The team also advises County departments and the Board of Supervisors on all aspects of the County’s real estate activities. Real estate transactions include purchase and sale agreements, commercial leasing, ground leases, easements, and complex public-private partnerships. The team also has significant expertise in complex affordable housing-related real estate finance matters.  The Team’s practice covers various areas of public law, with attorneys also specializing in land use, sustainability, transportation, real property, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).