How Developers Push Back When Cities Ask Too Much | Land Development Masterclass

How to Navigate City Hall as a Land Developer What can a city legally require from a development project? Many developers assume that when a city requests infrastructure upgrades, road expansions, or additional improvements, they simply have to comply. But that’s not always true. In this McCleery Company Masterclass, experienced development attorneys and industry professionals break down the legal framework that governs what municipalities can and cannot require from land developers. You’ll learn how constitutional property rights, case law, and development regulations interact when projects move through city approvals and entitlement processes. This session covers real-world examples and practical strategies developers use when navigating city planning departments, negotiating infrastructure requirements, and protecting the financial viability of their projects. Topics covered include: • How cities evaluate development impacts • What municipalities can legally require from developers • Infrastructure requirements and proportionality • Navigating negotiations with planning departments • Why documentation and communication with cities matter • Understanding the dynamics between developers, planners, and city attorneys • Strategies for managing entitlement risk This presentation is part of the McCleery Company Masterclass series, focused on helping developers, investors, and land professionals better understand the real-world mechanics of land development. If you are involved in development, acquisitions, real estate investment, or entitlement strategy, this discussion provides valuable insights into the process. 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Why Developers Struggle With Cities 7:30 Understanding Development Impacts 11:00 Key Legal Principles Developers Should Know 20:00 Real Development Case Studies 27:00 When Cities Ask for Too Much 33:00 Why Documentation Matters 40:00 Working With City Departments 48:00 Large Developers vs Smaller Developers 53:00 Fire Department & Infrastructure Negotiations 58:00 Property Rights Ombudsman Strategy 1:05:00 Key Lessons for Developers #LandDevelopment #RealEstateDevelopment #PropertyRights #RealEstateInvesting #CityPlanning #DevelopmentApprovals #LandUseLaw #RealEstateStrategy #DeveloperEducation #McCleeryCompany #LandDevelopmentMasterclass