SMW Attorney Teaches Land Use Law at Stanford Law School
SMW partner Andrew Schwartz is once again teaching Land Use Law at Stanford Law School for the fall quarter 2021-2022. The course focuses on the pragmatic (more than theoretical) aspects of contemporary land use law and policy, including the tools and historical/legal foundation of modern land use law; zoning and General Plans; the process of land development; affordable housing; growth […]
SMW Drafts and Defends Ballot Measure to Protect San Jose’s General Plan
In 2018, on behalf of the City of San Jose, the firm drafts and defends a first-of-its kind charter amendment to prevent a developer-sponsored initiative from gutting the City’s General Plan.
Voters approve SMW-drafted Short Term Rental Initiative
In 2018 voters in Pacific Grove pass an initiative, drafted by the firm, that prohibits short-term rentals in most residential neighborhoods in the City.
SMW Protects General Plans and Referendum Power in California Supreme Court
The firm prevails in a landmark case before the California Supreme Court that upholds the people’s right of referendum and confirms the primacy of the city’s General Plan. (Orange Citizens for Parks & Recreation v. Superior Court, 2 Cal.5th 141 (2016).)
Gilroy Voters Adopt Urban Growth Boundary
Voters in the City of Gilroy pass an initiative in 2016, drafted by the firm, that establishes an urban growth boundary around the City, limiting urban sprawl.
Short Term Rental Initiative Approved
In 2015 voters in Mammoth Lakes pass an initiative, drafted by the firm, requiring voter approval of changes to City zoning prohibiting short-term rentals in most residential neighborhoods.
SMW Prepares Ballot Measure to Fund Open Space Protection
In 2014, voters approve a parcel tax measure sponsored by the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority and drafted by the firm.
SMW Drafts Anti-Fracking Initiatives
In 2014 the firm drafts initiatives in Santa Barbara and San Benito Counties that ban the use of land for fracking. The San Benito measure passes, and subsequent litigation challenging the measure fails.
Conservation Victory for the California Gnatcatcher in the West Coyote Hills, City of Fullerton
Voters in Fullerton pass a referendum, drafted by the firm, that overturns the City’s approval of a development agreement for a sprawling subdivision in the West Coyote Hills, home to the threatened California gnatcatcher. Following subsequent litigation filed by the firm challenging the revised project, the City acquires half of the site for parkland. (Friends […]
A Vote to Protect Open Space in San Clemente
Voters in San Clemente pass a referendum in 2008 against the Pacific Golf Club project, which was to be located in one of the City’s largest open space areas. The firm drafts the referendum and successfully defends its sponsor’s ballot argument in court.