Practice Areas & Industries: Miller Nash LLP

Practice/Industry Group Overview

The land use attorneys of Miller Nash in Portland, Seattle, Central Oregon, and Vancouver have a wealth of private and public land use experience and knowledge that we draw on to provide clients with the best possible advice, service, and representation. This experience and knowledge allows us to competently and efficiently review and assist in drafting permit applications and environmental documentation, research and answer legal inquiries, provide general advice, negotiation and strategy direction, and offer other services related to land use and development.

The successful permitting of land use projects in today's development environment requires significant technical expertise, and knowledge of local regulations and federal and state law (Oregon's Statewide Planning Goals and local plans and regulations, Measure 37, the Washington Growth Management Act, the National and State Environmental Policy Acts, the Endangered Species Act, and stormwater and wetland regulations, to name only a few). Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to add value to your project.

A Successful Land Use Practice Is Also About Relationships

Ensuring a successful project takes more than just technical expertise. The land use attorneys of Miller Nash add value to any project, not only because of what we know, but also because of whom we know. Our connections with all levels of government and our approach to dealing with planning staffs and elected officials give us an edge in meeting your project goals. Our way of working is fair, tough when needed, multilevel, and forthright. We understand government process, and we know how to use our relationships to make that process work successfully and efficiently for our clients. A "higher conversation" is the part of our strategy with staff and elected officials. We keep them focused, not only on the technical issues but also on the value of our clients' projects in the community.

Selected Services:

• We prepare, negotiate with staff, and obtain approval for all types of land use applications: comprehensive plan amendments, rezones, conditional use permits, site plan review applications, subdivisions, short plats, shoreline permits, development agreements, planning director interpretations, temporary use permits, habitat permits and wetland permits
• We present projects to hearings examiners and local, regional, and state land use boards, and at times, when necessary, we defend projects in courts
• We draft and advocate for local or state legislative amendments on behalf of clients or as volunteer members of committees to ensure good planning rules and regulations
• We draft development agreements, covenants, and other contracts to facilitate projects that will be viewed as "win-win" for our clients and the community
• We consider ourselves team players and work well with all professionals on the development team

We have an organizational structure tailored to provide for clear communication, an understanding of each and every request for legal services, and a timely and appropriate responsiveness

We listen, and we are available.

Practice Area Leader: Guy Towle