Brownstein is providing land use, entitlement and public agency expertise to a 10 MW energy storage project on behalf of an international alternative and renewable energy technology company and helped deliver a unanimous approval of the project. As one of the first utility-scale energy storage projects in Santa Barbara County, this project will provide critical reliability and resilience to the region, and supports local resource capacity, increased renewable energy generation and the County’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

Counsel to the Central Coast Water Authority since 1991. Our representation includes coordinating legal services for all phases of planning, permitting, environmental compliance, right-of-way acquisition, construction and operation related to a $600 million drinking water delivery system.

Has represented the Hollister Ranch Owners Association on issues relating to the Coastal Act. In recent years, Brownstein has represented the Association in litigation against the California Coastal Commission and State Coastal Conservancy related to public access.

Served as land use counsel to Cate School, a prestigious private high school on California's Central Coast. The campus includes 178 acres, 320,000 sf of existing structures (dorms, classrooms, administrative buildings, faculty housing and the like), 640,000 sf of impervious surfaces (including parking for 187 cars), and 585,000 sf of recreational open space (playing fields and the like). The school has existed on the site since 1913. It has secured approval for an update to its Master Plan under which it would construct 180,000 sf of new buildings, 101,000 sf of additional impervious surfaces, and six new faculty homes. An EIR was prepared for the project, and the Master Plan has been approved by the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission. Brownstein has been closely involved in the permitting and environmental review process, including reviewing EIR comment letters and responses to comments, and represented the school before the Planning Commission.

Serves as General Counsel to the Goleta West Sanitary District, a public agency that provides wastewater collection and treatment services to 6000 customers in the Goleta Valley. Brownstein provides the District with advice on public agency operations, including meeting procedures, Brown Act compliance, conflict of interest issues, personnel, and public facility contracting. Brownstein attorneys also draft ordinances and resolutions and negotiate on behalf of the District with other local public agencies, including the University of California, Santa Barbara and the County of Santa Barbara.

Represented a Santa Barbara County beachfront property owner in litigation challenging acceptance of an offer to dedicate a public access way to the beach.

Represented a housing developer in securing a Local Coastal Plan amendment and Coastal Development Permit for a 25-unit single family housing project, and then handled the subsequent litigation and appeal.

Represented a Southern California neighborhood association objecting to a Local Coastal Program Amendment and a Public Works Plan proposed by a regional open space agency, including extensive proceedings before the Coastal Commission and subsequent litigation and appeal.

Represented Valle Verde, a 250-unit continuing care retirement community in Santa Barbara, CA, owned by American Baptist Homes of the West, with respect to a proposed updating of its facilities, including expanding the number of independent living units and scope of resident services.

Assist with land use due diligence for the acquisition of a 25,000-acre ranch property on the California coast. Ongoing advice regarding natural resource and Coastal Act compliance issues.

Represented Capital Pacific Holdings in the land use permitting proceedings and subsequent environmental litigation for a 40-unit condominium project in Santa Barbara.

Represented a California health club organization in the preparation of a property report assessing land use opportunities and constraints relative to long-term planning for a community recreation facility.

Provided land use and CEQA compliance advice to a major utility regarding a large transmission line project traversing two counties.