CEQA and NEPA Compliance

Related Practices

› CEQA and NEPA Compliance
› Density Bonuses & Inclusionary Ordinances
› Entitlement Support
› Housing Elements
› New State Housing Laws

Our work with affordable housing developers naturally connects us to the construction process. Consequently, we understand the process and help our clients successfully anticipate and manage legal issues related to construction. A significant way in which we accomplish this is by negotiating and preparing construction contracts for affordable housing developments. Because of the multiple sources of funding typically associated with developing affordable housing, the construction contract is frequently impacted by the differing requirements of each funding source. For instance, there may be prevailing wage obligations, specialized insurance and construction bond stipulations, and unique construction schedule issues.

Our attorneys know and work with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) model documents as well as other industry-standard documents, while recognizing that each project is unique and each client’s needs distinct. Through our experience with affordable housing and knowledge of law and contracts, we position clients to avoid many problems and issues arising during the negotiation and performance of construction contracts. We provide clients with effective techniques to properly allocate risk between owners and the general contractor.

Our broad knowledge of construction law issues includes providing advice on design-build contracts, mechanics’ liens, and dispute resolution, including litigation of construction disputes. We have particular strength in assisting affordable housing developers comply with the various obligations imposed by SB 800 (California’s Right-to-Repair legislation) on affordable for-sale units. Our attorneys design and conduct in-depth trainings and seminars regularly throughout California on construction issues affecting the affordable housing industry.

In addition, our practice includes the negotiation and preparation of owner-architect agreements as well as other professional service and consultant agreements such as engineering, appraisal, cost estimating, and construction management contracts. We also provide enforcement advice and litigation services to many owners and public agencies for these types of agreements.

Related Attorneys

Isabel L. Brown

Contact Information

Isabel L. Brown Attorney ibrown@goldfarblipman.com 510-836-6336

Ms. Brown practices in the areas of affordable housing, real estate development, and public finance.

Ms. Brown represents public agencies, including counties, cities and housing authorities, in the structuring and financing of housing and mixed-use developments. Ms. Brown has extensive experience in structuring fee and leasehold property dispositions and loan transactions, and preparing and negotiating disposition and development agreements, ground leases, loan agreements, homebuyer documents, and the ancillary documents necessary for such transactions. She also has comprehensive knowledge of the statutory requirements of federal and state housing funding programs, including the HOME Investment Partnerships Act program, the Neighborhood Stabilization program, the Community Development Block Grant program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, the Project-Based Section 8 Voucher program, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration program.

Ms. Brown also represents affordable housing developers and public agencies in the development and management of housing and mixed-use developments. She has extensive experience in forming nonprofit corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies; the federal and state tax exemption application process; loan closings; condominium development; drafting and negotiating construction contracts and professional services contracts; and fair housing compliance.

Ms. Brown has lectured on federal and state disabled persons accessibility requirements, condominium development requirements, construction contracts, and loan documents and closings.

Education