Land development is an exciting process until the red tape gets in the way. Zoning codes, permit delays, public hearings, and environmental studies, all of these feel overwhelming even before you break ground.

Your project can be a single lot or a larger lot; there’s one non-negotiable factor: you have to do it legally. That means navigating a maze of regulations, paperwork, and approvals. Each of these steps is important as they help in keeping your project moving forward without any expensive setbacks. 

This blog breaks it all down for you. From what permits you’ll need to know how to avoid common risks, we’ll walk you through how to legally develop land, without the stress. And if you want help along the way, Leonard Developments offers full-service support to handle zoning, design, engineering coordination, and permit expediting from start to finish. 

What Does it Mean to “Legally” Develop Land? 

“Legal” land development means building according to all local, regional, and environmental laws. This includes: 

• Complying with zoning designations and land use restrictions. 
• Securing all required permits (grading, utilities, building, etc.). 
• Completing environmental assessments if needed. 
• Passing inspections and receiving a Certificate of Occupancy. 

Skipping any of these steps can cost you heavily, in stop-work orders, fines, project shutdowns, or legal disputes. Worse, non-compliance can kill your resale value or ability to get financing. 

Related: Residential Land Development: From Lot to Community

Why Permits, Zoning and Regulations Matter?

Permits and zoning laws are there for good reason. They make sure projects meet safety codes, don’t harm the environment, and fit within broader planning goals for the area. 

Zoning controls what you can build, where you can build it, and how it must look and function. Permits apply that your projects should meet structural, health, and environmental standards. Skipping or mishandling them can lead to: 

• Permit denials or application rejections 
• Delays and rework 
• Legal action from city officials or neighbors 
• Full demolition of unpermitted structures

Professional You Need on Your Team 

Developing land isn’t something you can do alone. It takes a coordinated team to get it done legally and efficiently. At a minimum, you’ll need: 

• Land Use Attorney

They will help you navigate zoning law and represent you in hearings or appeals. 

• Civil Engineer

All the site planning, including grading, drainage, and other utilities, will be looked after by them. 

• Architect

This professional will design your structure to code and help coordinate permits. 

• Permit Expeditor or Consultant

They will make sure to keep your application process moving. 

• Environmental Consultant

You would need them if wetlands, flood zones, or protected habitats are involved. 

And if you want someone to tie it all together, Leonard Developments is built for exactly this. Their team doesn’t just expedite permits; they manage engineering coordination, design review, and city approvals all under one roof. Instead of juggling five consultants, you can work with one experienced partner who’s already done this across dozens of jurisdictions. 

Related: 15 Best House Flipping Series to Watch

How to Legally Develop Land? (Full Step-by-Step Process)

Here’s how the whole legal land development process plays out:

Step 1: Preliminary Land Evaluation 

Before you buy land or design anything, assess the site. 

• Check zoning designation, like what is the land currently zoned for? You can usually find this on the city or county’s GIS or zoning map. 
• Look for restrictions including easements, floodplains, environmental protections (wetlands, endangered species habitats), historical overlays, or deed covenants. 
• Access and utilities are important. Is the land landlocked? Does it have rod access, water, and sewer, or will you need a well and septic? 

Tip: Work with a civil engineer or planning consultant here to avoid hidden surprises later. 

Step 2: Pre-Application Research 

This is where you begin planning your approach with local authorities. 

• Meet with your local planning department. Ask about the application, required documentation, and deadlines. Some cities offer a “pre-application” meeting to catch issues early. 
• Review detailed plans. Make sure your projects align with the community’s long-term goals. 
• Ask about impact fees, utility hook-up fees, or off-site requirements (like widening roads or sidewalks). 

Tip: This is a good stage to bring in Leonard Developments if you want someone to lead the coordination between all moving parts. 

Related: 6 Free Ways to Find Property Lines (No Surveyor Required)

Step 3: Land Entitlement Process 

If the land doesn’t meet your needs as-is, you’ll need to entitle it, aka, get it legally ready for development. 

• Rezoning: Changing the zoning designation (e.g., agricultural to residential). 
• Conditional use permits (CUP): These allow special uses on a case-by-case basis. 
• Subdivision approval: If you’re creating multiple lots or splitting parcels. 
• Variance requests: for exceptions to rules (e.g., setbacks, building height). 
• Public hearings: You may need to present your case to a zoning board or planning commission and address neighborhood concerns. 

Tip: Public hearings can delay your timeline, so start this process as early as possible. 

Step 4: Permit Applications 

Once the land is entitled or zoned correctly, you’ll need formal permits. 

Depending on your project, this may include: 

• Site development permit for grading, drainage, erosion control, and utility layout. 
• Building permits for structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire safety. 
• Driveway or access permits, especially if you’re connecting to a public road. 
• Environmental permits are required if you’re working near water, wetlands, or protected land. 
• Tree removal or landscaping permits, as they exist in many municipalities. 

Tip: Permits usually have dependencies. You can’t get Permit B until Permit A is approved. Tracking the order matters. 

Step 5: Plan Review and Corrections 

After you apply, the city or county will review your plans. 

• Expect comments or requests for revisions. 
• Reviews may involve multiple departments: building, fire, public works, environmental, etc. 
• Plans usually go through 2-4 rounds of corrections before final approval. 

Tip: Don’t be discouraged by rejections, it’s part of the process. Hiring a consultant can speed this up significantly. 

Step 6: Final approval & Start of Construction 

Once your permits are issued, you can officially break ground. 

• Expect scheduled inspections at various phases, foundation, framing, utilities, and final. 
• You’ll need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) to legally occupy or sell the finished building. 
• Final sign-offs will confirm everything was done to code and per approved plans. 

Tip: Keep a binder or digital folder of all permits, inspection reports, and approvals. You’ll need it for lenders, insurers, or resale. 

Related: Raw Land Development: Profiting from Untouched Property

When to Start Each Phase 

Start as early as possible. Just zoning and entitlement alone can take 3-9 months, or longer if hearings are involved. 

Here’s a rough idea of the timing: 

Phase	Timeline
Site Research	1-2 weeks
Pre-Application + Prep	2-4 weeks
Rezoning/Entitlement	2-9 months
Permit Submittals	4-12 weeks
Plan Review + Corrections	4-8 weeks (multiple rounds)

If you need customized help then Leonard can help you build a custom permitting timeline based on your jurisdiction and scope. 

Common Challenges (And How To Avoid Them)

 Legal development comes with plenty of landmines, but most of them are avoidable. 

1. Zoning Conflicts 

The Problem: You find the perfect plot of land, but the zoning doesn’t allow what you want to build. 

How to avoid it: 

• Check zoning BEFORE you buy. Look up the zoning map on your city or county’s website or ask the planning department directly. 
• Understand and know the zoning code. Each code comes with rules, issues, height limits, lot coverage, and even landscaping requirements. 
• Work with professional teams like Leonard Developments. We can help assess if rezoning is necessary before you invest. 

2. Permit Delays or Denials 

The Problem: Your permit application is denied, or worse, stuck for months. 

How to Avoid It: 

• Submit complete and correct applications. Incomplete documents or missing papers are the top reasons permits get rejected or stalled.
• Know your jurisdiction’s process. Each city or county has its own quirks, timelines, and submission processes. 
• Hire a permit expeditor or consultant. They know how to fast-track applications, avoid anything that’ll stop your application, and know the city’s requirements.

Leonard Developments regularly works with municipalities and knows how to push things forward without stepping on toes. 

3. Public Pushback 

The Problem: Neighbors or community groups object to your project at a public hearing, and your approval gets delayed or denied. 

How to Avoid It: 

• Do your homework. If your project affects views, traffic, parking, or noise, expect some resistance. 
• Communicate early. Meet with your neighbors or local associations before the public hearing. Sometimes, just listening goes a long way. 
• Have visuals and facts. Bring renderings, traffic studies, or environmental reports to address common concerns. 
• Use a representative. A development consultant or land use attorney can present your case in a more neutral professional way. 

4. Environmental Problems 

The Problem: You didn’t realize part of your land is protected or in a floodplain, and now you need extra studies or approvals. 

How to Avoid It: 

• Get an environmental site assessment (ESA). This will check for contamination, protected species, wetlands, and other things. 
• Check FEMA flood maps. If your land is in a flood zone, you will need elevation certificates and extra permits. 
• Plan for mitigation. If you must build in a sensitive area, you may need to offset impact with conservation or drainage plans. 

5. Changing Rules Mid-Project 

The Problem: Halfway through your project, the city sometimes changes the rules or adopts a new permitting system, and you can suddenly become noncompliant. 

How to Avoid It: 

• Move fast but strategically. Once you submit plans, most cities will “vest” your project under the current code, but not always. 
• Stay in contact with planners. They usually know when changes are coming and can advise you on timing. 
• Lock in the permits early. If you get caught between two sets of rules, it could cost you major redesign fees or even stop your project altogether. 

How Much Does Legal Land Development Cost?

Here’s what you might spend on the legal and permitting side of development: 

Item	Typical Cost Range
Zoning Application	$500 – $5,000+
Site Plan Review	$2,000 – $10,000+
Permit Expediting + Consulting	$3,000 – $20,000+
Environmental Studies	$3,000 – $15,000+
Impact fees & City fees	$10,000- $100,000+

FAQs

How to legally acquire land?

Start with a title search, verify zoning, and check for restrictions like easements or flood zones. Work with a real estate attorney to close safely. 

How to develop land property?

Follow zoning rules, get needed permits, and pass inspections. A consultant like Leonard Developments can manage this from start to finish. 

What is the best way to buy undeveloped land?

Research zoning, access, and utilities before buying. Always perform due diligence and consult professionals to avoid costly surprises. 

How do I start my own land development business?

Understand local codes, build a qualified team, and secure funding. Start small and consider working with consultants to guide early projects. 

How to increase the size of land?

Buy adjacent parcels and apply for a lot line adjustment or replat. Check zoning and title issues before making an offer. 

How to develop land for subdivision?

Submit subdivision plans, get zoning approval, and install roads and utilities. The process is complex, and developers usually hire companies like Leonard. 

What are the risks involved in developing raw land?

Common risks include zoning limits, no utility access, environmental issues and permitting delays. Due diligence reduces most of these risks. 

Final Thoughts

Legal land development is not a box-checking exercise. It is the foundation for your entire project. Zoning, permits, public process, and planning can either push your vision forward or grind it to a halt. 

The best way to stay ahead? Start early, do your research, and work with people who have done this before. Leonard Developments can coordinate every piece, from design to engineering to approvals, so you don’t waste time or money figuring it out the hard way. 

Get Your Permits Approved Without the Headaches With Leonard Development’s Permit Expediting Services! 

Related: Perc Test for Land: What It Is, Who Performs It & Why You Need One