Jay Higgins, AICP: Consulting California Land Planner

As a seasoned Land Use Consultant with 35 years of practice in California and abroad, Jay has seen a lot. He provides guidance through the opportunities and pitfalls of land use approvals in California. He has taken his clients through hundreds of Planning Commissions, and other boards, commissions or elected official public hearings, and was appointed to the City of Santa Barbara’s Planning Commission for eight years.

Jay Higgins Presenting at the Santa Barbara Planning Commission

What I Do (& Don’t Do)

Chances are, you’re here because you already know what Jay does. But if not, here’s a quick 30,000-foot overview of his typical role.

If you think Jay’s perspective might benefit you or your project, he’s always happy to talk—whether it’s to explore how he can help, discuss the specifics, or even point you toward better options.

Contact Me

What Jay Does

He tells you what you have (or don’t have) to help you successfully achieve your real estate development vision.
Offers you wise choices on the way to legal development
Helps you and your team to design ‘within the lines’
Or, when you're outside of the lines because your immediate vision doesn’t exactly ‘fit,’ Jay makes sure you know the risks (and costs) so you know what to expect.
Manages the rest of the process as simply as possible with access as needed to his ‘team’ of referral worthy associates including architects, surveyors, engineers, biologists, archeologists and/or lawyers and public affairs consultants.
Makes a fair deal with you, including reduced fees for non-profit groups.

What Jay Doesn't Do

Host rallies or organize picket lines.
Talk to tire kickers—for too long. But he can refer you to others on his ‘team’ if you need a specialist.
Make enforcement cases magically disappear overnight—if you might happen to have one.

Some Recent Clients & Projects
(the ones he can tell you about)

In The Media

"When we have an applicant that really wants to bite the bullet here and harness up to the workload of establishing a new community to give us a better housing inventory, I think that should be supported.”

Planning Commissioner Larry Ferini voting to approve the Solomon Hills General Plan Amendment Initiation, March 8, 2023

Noozhawk.com

“There are constraints on the site that have been handled nicely by the applicant team… and the area is going to be totally revitalized between having the school there and having the park there…it’s actually pretty exciting to see that in the neighborhood… I am very pleased with the project.”

City of Santa Barbara Planning Commissioner Leslie Wiscomb voting to approve the Providence School Conditional Use Permit, March, 2024.

Noozhawk.com

“I love this plan. It takes a blighted property that’s an eyesore and turns it into something beautiful. I absolutely support it.”

Poway Council Member Cynthia Frank in voting to approve the new Raising Cane’s restaurant, October, 2023.

sandiegouniontribune.com

Biography

Jay Higgins has represented land owners and government agencies in a land use and property development capacity for over 35-years. His public sector experience includes the California Coastal Commission, the Cities of Ojai and Culver City, and two terms as a Planning Commissioner with the City of Santa Barbara.

For 10 years he traveled nationally as a project manager and land planner in the telecommunications, public affairs and mining industries; and internationally in Honduras for a coastal resource management and land use program.

Mr. Higgins worked for Capital Pacific Homes for a decade as their Vice President of Land Acquisition. During that time his primary focus was land acquisition and proforma project financial analyses, forward planning, affordable housing obligations and land entitlements. He negotiated land purchase and access transactions, interfaced with lenders, conducted property due diligence and CEQA/NEPA related impact reviews or exemptions, negotiated or restructured development agreements, entitlement commitments, development impact fees and conditions of approval. He was CPH’s primary point of contact with land sellers, design professionals, public agencies, special districts and community groups from acquisition to construction of +900 housing units in Santa Barbara County.

Currently, Mr. Higgins independently represents law firms and their clients, home owners, land developers, farmers, and restaurant entrepreneurs, all of which require his perspective and determination related to entitlements, property acquisition, public engagement and/or project management.

Testimonials

Soo Chang, Providence School

“When we acquired property in the City, Jay helped us understand the costs and timing of the required Conditional Use Permit for the school and then tirelessly worked with our team until the final approvals were granted by the Planning Commission and City Council.”

Brent Kilpper, Associate Director, Reagan Ranch

“Jay’s counsel and extensive experience proved foundational to our successful navigation of a complex permitting process. We had a lot of public input on one of our County ranch projects and Jay kept everyone focused and the permit process on schedule.”

Robert Montgomery (Romo) Sr. Director of Special Projects, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

“When we ramped up development in California, I needed boots on the ground and a person that understood the CA development process and procedures. Jay came to me via a referral, and we used his services to get us through many difficult governmental hearings and procedures as well as managing our sub-consultants. We have many successful locations due to his collaboration efforts and presentation skills.”

Peter L. Candy, Hollister & Brace

“Just about every real estate project around here needs a land use interpreter, or guide, that understands the regulations and potential for escalating political or environmental risks and costs. Working with Jay is very easy, and he’s smart on avoiding risk and keeping projects on track and on schedule.”