Land Use Consulting Services from Buchanan Land Use Consulting (BLUC)
Buchanan Land Use Consulting (BLUC) works with families and farmers to help them navigate the regulatory framework involved in developing their land. Based in Laytonville, CA, BLUC offers a range of planning and permitting services designed to make the development process more manageable for property owners facing complex zoning and environmental requirements.
Planning is treated as the foundation of any project. BLUC approaches this by offering a practical development framework that aligns with each client's specific goals. Their preliminary planning consultations are structured to give clients a clear overview of zoning requirements, environmental regulations, required building permits, and other property-specific considerations before any work begins.
ADUs, JADUs, and Accessory Dwelling Units
With the ongoing housing shortage, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) have become an increasingly viable option for property owners looking to add housing on their land. BLUC provides guidance on the rules and permitting requirements for both detached and attached ADUs, including tiny homes, across different counties in California. As an experienced resource for ADU-related land use questions, they can help homeowners understand what is permitted on their specific property and how to move forward within local regulations.
Whether someone is considering a detached ADU, a garage conversion, an in-law suite, a backyard cottage, or a JADU, BLUC can help clarify the applicable county rules and guide clients through the permitting process from start to finish.
Beyond ADUs, BLUC also assists with remodels and additions — from decks to full additions — working alongside licensed engineers and other professionals to help clients realize their vision within the bounds of local regulations.
Permits, Violations, and Environmental Compliance
BLUC handles a broad range of permitting and compliance services, including:
- Building Permits — Guidance on completing and filing all types of building permits, with BLUC managing the filing process from beginning to end.
- Conditional Use Permits — Assistance with zoning exceptions that allow property owners to use their land in non-conforming ways, as an alternative to full rezoning.
- Boundary Line Adjustments — Help with making minor legal changes to existing property lines between contiguous parcels.
- Rezoning — Support through the process of changing a parcel's designated land use from one category to another, which can be a lengthy and complicated undertaking.
- Violations — BLUC has experience correcting violations with the county, CDFW, and the Waterboard, assessing properties throughout the project to help keep them compliant.
- Lake and Streambed Alteration Permits (LSAs) — Working with a team of scientists and engineers to produce documentation that satisfies regulatory authorities while completing projects in an environmentally responsible way.
- Waterboard Permits — Assistance obtaining and maintaining permits from the California Water Resources Control Board for applicable agricultural activities.
- Post-Approval Satisfaction of Conditions — Ensuring that conditions attached to project approvals are properly understood and implemented, so that development can proceed without unnecessary delays.
BLUC's approach is grounded in practical knowledge of local and state regulatory systems, with a focus on keeping projects moving forward while remaining compliant at every stage.