AGPROfessionals has a team of highly qualified consultants specializing in land use planning. Whether you are purchasing farm or ranch land, property for a new business venture, subdividing your land, or seeking development approvals, our experts provide comprehensive guidance to streamline the process.

Land use projects involve navigating a complex web of laws, regulations, permits, and approvals. With years of industry experience, we have helped hundreds of landowners and businesses successfully manage these challenges. Below are key aspects of land use and planning, along with the expertise our consultants bring to your project.

Land Use Due Diligence

Successful land development starts with thorough due diligence. Many clients consult AGPROfessionals to assess feasibility, site plans, and regulatory requirements before purchasing land or expanding operations. Our due diligence services help identify opportunities, challenges, and compliance requirements in advance, ensuring informed decision-making.

Remember the three Ps: “Preparation Prevents Problems!”

Key Due Diligence Services:

• Feasibility Studies
• Environmental Assessments
• Code Analysis and Concept Plans
• Boundary Surveys, Improvements Survey Plats, and ALTA Surveys
• Water Rights Analysis
• Utility Service Availability Evaluation
• Pre-Application Meetings

Navigating Land Use Entitlements

Land use entitlements grant legal approvals for specific property uses. These approvals can significantly impact property values and project success, often requiring development applications, public hearings, and negotiations with government agencies. AGPROfessionals’ expertise ensures a smooth entitlement process.

Common Land Use Entitlements:

• Annexations: Incorporating a property into a town or city municipal boundaries and establishing the appropriate initial zoning designation of the property.

• Change of Zones & Rezoning: Changing the underlying zone district of a property, typically to allow for the desired use or development project (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial).

  Successful rezoning aligns with a county’s, town’s, or city’s Comprehensive Plans to ensure uses are appropriate for a given area.

• Zoning Permits and Site Plan Reviews (SPRs): Permitting a specific use that is allowed in a given zone district in accordance with municipal codes and development standards.

  Zoning Permits and Site Plan Reviews involve the approval of a site plan including proposed building(s), parking areas, access, roadway(s), landscaping, screening/fencing, lighting, drainage, and other improvements. These types of entitlements are typically administratively reviewed and do not require public hearings.

• Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), Special Use Permits (SUPs), & Use by Special Review (USRs): Enabling unique uses that are permitted through a CUP, SUP, or USR process that includes public notice and Planning Commission and City Council/Board of County Commissioners public hearings. Similarly to Zoning Permits and SPRs, the above-mentioned permits involve the development of a site plan for final approval.

  AGPROfessionals has prepared hundreds of land use permits that have been approved in multiple jurisdictions. Read more about how AGPROfessionals helped a client convert an existing dairy operation to a beef feedlot.

• Variance Requests: Seeking exceptions to zoning rules for unique circumstances, such as setbacks, access location, paving requirements, or other development standards.

• Subdivision Exemptions (SEs), Recorded Exemptions (REs), Family Farm Divisions (FFDs), and Minor Land Divisions (MLDs): Dividing a property through a process that a given municipality has established as exempt from subdivision regulations.

  SEs, REs, FFDs, and MLDs are the simplest procedure through which to create new lots. These land division processes are typically administratively reviewed and do not require public hearings. There are also fewer development requirements through SE, RE, FFD, and MLD processes than formal subdivisions.

• Subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs): Dividing a property into two or more lots through a formal subdivision process. Some subdivision processes require multiple review cycles such as Preliminary Plat, Change of Zone, and Final Plat.

  Subdivision planning often involves more than just deciding where to draw lines. You may need to consider drainage improvements, open space dedication, roadway development, water dedication, water and utility agreements and improvements, easements, rights of way, covenants, owners’ associations, and other items.

Site Plan & Design Review Approvals

Proper site planning and development ensures local architectural, planning, and environmental standards compliance. Our consultants bring an extensive knowledge of municipal and county permitting processes for land use, subdivisions, and residential and commercial development to create detailed site plans and plats that meet approval requirements.

AGPROfessionals is experienced in ag-related, commercial, and industrial site planning, leveraging our Agronomy, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Planning, Surveying, and Real Estate services.

Development Agreements

Contracts between developers and municipalities define project terms, including infrastructure contributions, improvements, and maintenance obligations. Our team negotiates favorable agreements to support project success.

Meeting & Hearing Representation

Navigating public hearings, variance requests, and permit applications can be complex. AGPROfessionals provides expert representation to advocate for clients in municipal meetings and public hearings.

Zoning Compliance & Violation Resolution

Staying compliant with zoning laws and regulations is critical to avoiding legal issues. If your business faces a zoning violation, AGPROfessionals will work directly with local and state authorities to resolve the matter efficiently.

Why Choose AGPROfessionals?

Land planning, zoning, and permitting require specialized knowledge. As a trusted consulting firm, AGPROfessionals is committed to helping clients navigate these complexities with confidence and efficiency. Whether facing regulatory hurdles or seeking development opportunities, we provide expert guidance to move your project forward seamlessly.

From land planners to real estate brokers to surveyors to engineers, AGPROfessionals has the expertise you’re looking for.

Contact AGPROfessionals today to ensure a smooth, successful land use planning process!

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