From Raw Land to ROI. We Clear the Path.
In development, time is money. Don't let zoning boards, city councils, or regulatory red tape stall your project. We navigate the bureaucratic maze so you can break ground faster.
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Navigating the Red Tape
You have the vision and the financing, but can you legally build what you want? In Texas, property rights are strong, but local regulations are complex. A single “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) group or a denied variance can kill a project before it starts.
At Saffold Law, we act as the bridge between your vision and the municipality. We represent developers, builders, and investors in securing the necessary entitlements to turn a concept into concrete. We speak the language of city planners and council members to get to “Yes.”
Comprehensive Development Services
We assist with every legal hurdle from acquisition to certificate of occupancy.
1. Land Use & Zoning Entitlements
If the land isn’t zoned for your project, we fight to change it.
- Rezoning Cases: Representing you before Planning & Zoning commissions and City Councils to change land classification (e.g., from Residential to Commercial).
- Variances: Securing exceptions for setbacks, height restrictions, or parking requirements from the Board of Adjustment.
- Special Use Permits (SUP): Obtaining approval for specific uses like restaurants with drive-thrus or industrial facilities.
2. Platting & Subdivision
Turning a large tract into sellable lots requires precise legal work. We manage the Subdivision Platting process, ensuring compliance with county rules, utility access, and road dedication requirements.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Environmental
We guide you through the overlapping layers of regulation:
- Environmental Due Diligence: Reviewing Phase I reports and wetlands issues.
- Historic Preservation: Navigating restrictions if you are redeveloping an older property.
- Tree Ordinances: Ensuring compliance with strict local rules on tree removal to avoid massive fines.
4. HOA & Restrictive Covenants (CC&Rs)
For residential community developers, we draft the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). We create the legal framework for the future Homeowners Association (HOA), ensuring you maintain control of the development until the lots are sold.
5. Construction Contracts
We protect you from contractor disputes before construction begins. We draft and negotiate AIA Contracts with architects and general contractors to ensure clear timelines, payment schedules, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
What We Fight For
Development is a game of margins. We fight to maximize yours:
- Maximum Density: Arguing for interpretations that allow you to build more units per acre.
- Speed to Market: Pushing applications through the approval pipeline to minimize carrying costs.
- Vested Rights: “Locking in” current regulations so the city can’t change the rules on you halfway through the project.
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How We Build Your Strategy
1. The Feasibility Study
Before you close on the land, we analyze the zoning code. Can you actually build a 4-story complex here? We give you a realistic risk assessment.
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2. The Lobbying & Presentation
We prepare the presentation for the public hearings. We know how to address community concerns about traffic and noise while emphasizing the economic benefits of your project.
3. The Execution
Once entitlements are secured, we ensure all permits are issued and handle any code enforcement issues that arise during construction.
Build Without Barriers.
The success of your development depends on what happens at City Hall. Ensure you have experienced counsel representing your interests.