Zoning & Land Use
Real Estate
Entitlements, Zoning Approvals, and Land Use Strategies for Development Projects
WH Burkley advises developers, property owners, investors, and businesses on land use, zoning, and entitlement matters that impact the development and use of real estate assets. We provide practical, business-focused counsel to help clients secure necessary approvals, navigate regulatory requirements, and advance projects efficiently.
Land use and zoning issues often shape the timing, feasibility, and economics of a project. We work closely with clients to develop entitlement strategies that support development goals, manage regulatory risk, and align with long-term investment objectives.
Zoning and Entitlement Approvals
• Advising on zoning classifications and permitted uses
• Obtaining variances, conditional use permits, and special exceptions
• Securing rezonings and zoning map amendments
• Supporting planned development and mixed-use project approvals
Land Use Planning and Development Strategy
• Evaluating development feasibility and land use constraints
• Aligning entitlement strategies with project objectives
• Coordinating zoning approvals with acquisition and financing plans
• Supporting redevelopment and adaptive reuse initiatives
Permitting and Government Approvals
• Coordinating site plan, subdivision, and development approvals
• Advising on permitting requirements and regulatory processes
• Working with municipalities, planning commissions, and zoning authorities
• Managing approval timelines and project implementation strategies
Public Sector and Community Coordination
• Assisting with negotiations involving public entities and stakeholders
• Addressing community concerns and development impacts
• Coordinating public hearings and approval proceedings
• Supporting economic development and incentive-related initiatives
Administrative Proceedings and Appeals
• Representation before zoning boards, planning commissions, and administrative bodies
• Challenging or defending zoning and land use determinations
• Navigating administrative appeals and review processes
• Coordinating with litigation strategies when disputes arise
Integration with Development and Investment Objectives
• Aligning land use approvals with development and construction plans
• Coordinating entitlement strategies with financing and incentive programs
• Supporting acquisitions, dispositions, and redevelopment projects
• Integrating regulatory approvals into long-term asset management objectives
Practice Group Leader
Tyler S. Bobes, Chair
Tyler’s practice is national in scope, and he serves as a trusted advisor to publicly traded companies, Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs), private equity funds, lenders, family offices and other private and public developers and owners of commercial real estate.
216.928.2891
Our Approach
• Align land use and entitlement strategies with each client’s development and investment objectives
• Move matters forward efficiently through zoning, permitting, and approval processes
• Coordinate across real estate, development, financing, and regulatory considerations
• Focus on reducing project risk while advancing development goals
• Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and practical execution
Why WH Burkley
• Experience representing developers, property owners, investors, and businesses in land use and zoning matters
• Practical understanding of development approvals, entitlement processes, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to navigate complex municipal, planning, and zoning frameworks efficiently
• Integration with real estate, construction, financing, tax incentives, and litigation capabilities
• Responsive, partner-level service focused on advancing development objectives and protecting long-term asset value
Recognition
Chambers & Partners | USA
- Band 2 – Real Estate (Ohio)
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Construction Law
- Band 1 – Real Estate Law
- Band 2 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 2 – Litigation – Real Estate
- Band 3 – Litigation – Construction
- Band 3 – Litigation – Environmental
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 1 – Real Estate Law
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 3 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 3 – Litigation – Real Estate
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.