The most critical step in any development project happens before the first shovel hits the dirt. At Walsh Engineering & Surveying, our land planning services provide the strategic roadmap for your project. We specialize in securing discretionary permits and navigating the complex entitlement processes required by local jurisdictions.
From tentative maps to major use permits and rezones, we ensure your project is compliant, entitled, and ready for engineering.
Our Land Planning Specialties
We handle the heavy lifting of governmental approvals, helping you secure the rights to develop your land effectively.
Tentative Maps
Essential for dividing land into saleable lots, our team prepares the complete subtotal package to ensure efficient processing.
Discretionary Permits
We represent clients for high-level approvals such as major use permits, Rezones, and Coastal Development Permits.
SB-9 Urban Lot Splits
Expert guidance on California’s Senate Bill 9, allowing homeowners in single-family zones to split their lots and increase density ministerially.
Conditional & Major Use Permits (CUP/MUP)
We secure the specialized permissions needed for projects that require unique operational or design flexibility.
Boundary Adjustments
Accurate re-alignment of property lines to better suit your development goals or resolve neighboring disputes.
Planned Residential Developments
Creative planning for modern communities that require custom zoning and integrated open spaces.
The Benefits of Expert Planning
Maximizing Land Value
We identify the “highest and best use” of your property, ensuring you don’t leave potential square footage or lot counts on the table.
Streamlined Approvals
By anticipating agency concerns, we reduce the number of revision cycles, saving you months of holding costs.
Regulatory Advocacy
We act as your voice at public hearings and in meetings with city and county staff to push your project forward.
“Our mission is to develop plans for the most effective use of our clients’ properties, ensuring every project is built on a foundation of excellence.”
Our Land Planning Process
Entitlement Strategy
We begin by auditing the property’s current zoning and land-use designations. We determine exactly which permits (Coastal, Administrative, Major Use, etc)… are required to make your vision a reality.
Conceptual Mapping & Site Plans
Our team creates the Tentative Maps and Site Plans that serve as the visual proof-of-concept for government reviewers. We balance your design goals with the realities of local code.
Agency Coordination
We manage the submittal and “redline” process, coordinating with various departments—from Fire and Water to Environmental Health—to clear every hurdle.
Public Representation
For discretionary permits that require public hearings, we provide expert presentations and technical support to secure the final vote of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Discretionary" permit?
Unlike a building permit (which is “ministerial”), a discretionary permit requires an official to exercise judgment. These often involve public notice or hearings and are required for more complex changes like subdivisions, rezones or major use permits.
Can I split my lot under SB-9?
If your property is in a single-family residential zone and meets specific criteria (such as not being in a historic district or a high-risk fire zone), SB-9 may allow you to split your lot or add units with a streamlined, non-discretionary process.
How long does the entitlement process take?
Timelines vary by jurisdiction and project complexity. A simple boundary adjustment may take a few months, while a Major Use Permit or Tentative Map involving environmental reviews can take a year or more.
Get Your Project Moving
Don’t let zoning restrictions or permit delays stall your investment. Partner with the planning team that knows how to get a “Yes” from the county or city.
Serving San Diego County and surrounding areas.