Obtaining primary approvals, or entitlements, is a key step in developing any project. After entitlements have been approved, there are still a variety of permits from regulatory agencies that must be obtained before a project can move forward. By combining our intimate knowledge of entitlement requirements with expertise in critical areas, such as environmental resources, agency coordination, and public outreach, Aspen is uniquely positioned to provide cost-effective and strategic support during the entitlement and permitting processes. With these capabilities, Aspen is able help clients formulate a comprehensive permitting strategy, while also performing the data collection, analysis, and documentation required for successful completion of each regulatory process.
Aspen has significant experience coordinating with regulatory agencies and securing federal, state, and local permits. Aspen has an excellent working relationship and a high level of credibility with key regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Division, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and California Regional Water Quality Control Boards.
Aspen has substantial, in-depth, and working knowledge of the requirements of the state and federal regulations related to natural resources, including:
- Coastal Zone Management Act and California Coastal Act (Coastal Consistency Determinations and Coastal Development Permits);
- California Fish & Game Code (Sections 1600-1607, including Lake/Streambed Alteration Agreements);
- Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404 Permits (Nationwide, Regional General, Standard Individual, including preparation of Formal Wetland Delineation Reports);
- Section 401 Water Quality Certifications;
- Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits from the State Water Resources Control Board, through the local RWQCB;
- Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) from the State Water Resources Control Board, through the RWQCB;
- Federal ESA, Section 7 Consultation and Section 10 Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and Incidental Take Permits, including the preparation of Biological Assessments and HCPs; and
- California ESA, Section 2081 Permit and other sections (2050 to 2089) of the Fish & Game Code that protect rare and endangered plants and animals, including preparation of Biological Evaluations and Mitigation and Monitoring Plans.
