CEQA Exemptions – Risky Business
Real estate development can be a risky proposition, especially if a proposed project is “unentitled” for the proposed end-use. The entitlement and permitting processes (i.e., securing the approvals to develop a property for the desired end-use), especially in California, are widely considered the main risk to a project’s success or…
Read MoreS.B. 326 Balcony Inspections – TOP Things to Consider When Choosing an Inspection Firm for New Residential Development Balcony Inspections
1. Independence 2. Architectural / Structural Engineers on Team 3. Time Inspection to Coincide with Warranty Expiration Background on SB 326 In August of 2019, the California Legislature enacted Senate Bill No. 326 (S.B. 326) into law, adding two new statutes to the Davis-Stirling Act. Civil Code section 5551 adds…
Read MoreLet’s Talk Cost – Grading: Understanding the Art of the Balance
Balancing earthwork on a site can make or break a deal in land development. While there are multiple scenarios that make grading more difficult, such as groundwater, rock, fault zones, hazardous materials, and stabilizing slopes; there are ways to design and balance the site to make your project cost efficient.…
Read MoreLet’s Bond! – Typical Process for Bond Exoneration
All agencies have their own separate requirements that builders / developers must fulfill before their bonds on a project can be released. For instance, depending on the location of a project within the County of Riverside, the County of Riverside Transportation Department could require an acceptance letter from the Eastern…
Read MoreWe’d Love To Help! – The Basics: Keeping Track of Your Project Expenditures
A core question our firm receives all the time is, “What is the best strategy to manage our reimbursement packages and track our expenditures?” With each financing program [ex. Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF), Development Impact Fee (DIF), Community Facilities District (CFD), Road Bridge Benefit District (RBBD), etc.] and jurisdiction…
Read MoreKnow What’s Expected – Pre-Qualification for Public Works Projects
In 1999, the California Legislature enacted a law that allows many public agencies to require licensed contractors – that intend to bid on a public works job – to “pre-qualify” for the right to bid on a specific public works project (or on public works project undertaken by a public…
Read MoreSay Hello to HOA – Developer Services Deep Dive
Murow Development Consultants (Murow DC) has the experience, resources and team members (with over 45 industry professionals) to serve various aspects of a Homeowner Association Community. We align our expertise with your needs to form a strategy to ensure the development team is supported and served well – from the…
Read MoreSay Hello to HOA – Murow Speaks HOA
Murow Development Consultants (Murow DC) have served many communities, utilizing our team of 45+ industry professionals, providing services for various aspects of a Homeowner Association. Murow DC has several strategic segments, with one of those being a committed division for any and all items involving HOAs | Community Associations. We…
Read MoreDry Utilities Helpful Hint – Holiday Moratorium
With the holidays quickly approaching, the City of Los Angeles expects to experience heavier amounts of traffic flow throughout the city. In order to mitigate traffic buildup, they are enacting the Holiday Moratorium. If you have any construction being done in the public right of way, your project may be…
Read MoreDry Utilities Helpful Hint – LADWP Staging Area
For years, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has allowed for the transformer staging area to be located in the public right-of-way, but due to safety concerns, they are now asking for additional space inside private property. The staging area is in addition to the space and clearances…
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