Your project timeline is at risk due to community feedback on zoning. How will you navigate this obstacle?

This is a common problem especially in Greece. Local authorities , communities and other stakeholders might be delay factors for any real estate investment and in particular they might cause implications to the zoning / land uses which will subsequently delay the issuance of the related building permits and the commencement of the construction phase. A development plan should be accompanied by a risk plan , indicating these factors and their implications. Mitigation plans should be available from the early stages of the project. Early involvement of the local communities might ease their reactions. Presenting the environmental , economical and social benefits of the project is a key step and a game changer.

Go back to drawing board. The by law is prohibited us to chop down trees. This project must show we plant trees and create a green lung within the surrounding areas. Do a drive involving the local people for tree planting.

Crea un espacio en el que la comunidad sea escuchada acerca de sus objeciones en la zonificacion y toma accion, ya sea derrumbando los mitos que atemoricen a la comunidad o tomando los correctivos necesarios para que el proyecto siga su curso en un ambiente de escucha y conciliacion.

To understand zoning you must see the overarching legislative hierarchy in the following order: 1. National legislation for urban planning 2. Municipal plan and zoning restrictions 3. Local zoning restrictions Read these thoroughly and make a compliance check list. This can in some instances be provided by the authorities but you need to combine them as they are available from a national, municipal and local level. Make sure you have a good framework and create a Standard Operating Procedure to follow throughout the planning process. Remember soft compliance parameters i.e. what the municipality wants and sometimes but not always have political mandate to require. Accommodating these will gain the good will of the planning authorities.

Involve stakeholders and be up-front and over communicate, to give them a stake in the project, but remember: they can give their opinion but you are in charge because the risk is yours. In urban development (conversion from industry to housing) the approach is such: 1. Engage the community and authorities by arranging cultural events on your land. This will not only benefit the community but save you marketing costs and gain popularity in the local area and with authorities. 2. As the public gain interest, engage them through idea-contests and encourage their creativity and engagement. You will gain invaluable information. 3. Start the development process and integrate your findings throughout this process. You will hit the ground running.

Legal counsel is always wise to have. To avoid conflict and the necessity of legal counsel, consider acting like an attorney. Use the Bonus Pater principle. Observe how the always attempt at deescalating situations that might turn into conflict. It is ultimately your responsibility as General Partner of a development project. 1. Be well prepared. Always. And know your field well. 2. Know the legislation and zoning codes well. 3. Always look for common solutions that accommodate the incentives of all parties. 4. Never undermine or humiliate anyone, not even by accident. 5. If you are in a dire situation, breathe and consider how you can solve the counterparties' problems. This will solve yours. Good luck.