All Forum Posts by: Marc Dufour

Originally posted by @Dennis Lanni:

Another thought is find a developer who might pay a premium for the land to waive mitigation fees for the project they have in the works. Good luck

That's some serious horse trading, but it totally works. That's the way things get done done here in Santa Barbara. The developers aren't even looking to get out of mitigation fees. Builder/developer has to throw in open space or develop a trail or preserve something for the public good in order to get approval for anything.

CA law -- 25K is a lot -- I am not a farmer but... I play one on certain deals (like yours). I would Google the "grow something that doesn't need water" question. How much sqft land is it? What about leasing the land to a paintball company?

Where is your "new ball & chain" located? Which county?

Also what was the overbid amount?

It is in Contra Costa. I but $62K. It is 7350 sq ft.

Probably too small for a paint ball company.

Without water, I could grow some California native plants maybe...

With open space you can, "by right" go agricultural -- (strawberries is what I did). Also perhaps you tell the neighbors you have plans to 1. rezoning the land for houses or 2. grow marijuana -- which one would they support? Another thought is find a developer who might pay a premium for the land to waive mitigation fees for the project they have in the works.

What do you mean "by right"? Is there a federal or CA law? Their zoning doesn't include agricultural use in their description.

The land is not connected to the water pipe...and it is $25K to do so....I would need to grow something that doesn't need water. Any idea?

Originally posted by @Marc Dufour:

Is this some sort of common space in the neighborhood or is it just a vacant lot between two houses?

It is a common space for people to enjoy the view, walk their dogs, etc.

Now they could pet my donkey! I need to investigate...

This is where zoning gets tricky. That lot could be in a residential zone, hence the residential code. But you're saying the the General Plan specifies the use as something else?

I'd get a second opinion from a non-governmental source. There are land use specialists in every county here, (often who used to work for the munis in planning), who investigate land use and apply for permits on behalf of the owners. I'd find one and pay for their time. They'll be able to tell you your chances of getting the use changed and whether it's worth the time and cost.

The general plan says open land. Their website says residential.

How do find those land use specialist? What's their exact title?