About Us

Your Strategic Partner for Southern California Entitlements & Permitting

Navigate Southern California’s Development Approvals with Confidence & Speed

Is the Complexity of Southern California’s Entitlement Process Delaying Your Projects and Impacting Your Bottom Line?

For real estate professionals, developers, and property owners navigating the Southern California market, securing the necessary land use entitlements and permits is a critical, yet often daunting, task. The path through zoning regulations, discretionary permits, CEQA reviews, and multiagency approvals can be laden with obstacles:

Costly Delays: Unpredictable timelines stretch project schedules, inflating carrying costs and delaying return on investment.
Regulatory Hurdles: Deciphering complex codes and satisfying diverse agency requirements demands specialized knowledge.
Significant Risk: Proceeding without comprehensive real estate due diligence or a clear strategy for discretionary permits (like CUPs and Variances) can lead to expensive setbacks.
Resource Drain: Managing the intensive approval process diverts valuable time and energy from your core business activities.

Transform Challenges into Opportunities with Expert Guidance.

I’m Terry Strom, founder of Strom Entitlement-Permitting Project Management, located in Carlsbad and serving clients across Southern California. I function as your dedicated entitlement
consultant and strategic partner, specializing in the efficient navigation of the entire development approval process – from initial feasibility assessments to securing final sign-offs.

My focus is to proactively manage the complexities, mitigate risks, and accelerate the timeline for your project’s approvals, ensuring a smoother path from concept to construction.

The Strom Advantage: Delivering Certainty and Efficiency

Accelerated Timelines, Reduced Costs: My strategic approach and deep understanding of agency procedures have consistently resulted in securing project entitlements and permits in less time than average processing periods. This efficiency can directly translates into substantial cost savings that can enhance your project’s financial performance.
Unparalleled Expertise (25+ Years): Benefit from over two decades of hands-on experience managing intricate capital improvement and development projects. This practical knowledge is fortified by a unique blend of credentials:
- Registered Civil Engineer (PE) in California
- MBA from the University of Southern California (USC)
- Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from National University (Favored degree for City Managers, Community Development Directors, and Planning Directors)
- Certificate in Land Use & Environmental Planning from UC Riverside
- Certificate from the Real Estate Finance, Investments, and Development Program at the University of San Diego
Strategic Navigation of Complexities: I possess the technical acumen to understand engineering, planning, and environmental details, combined with the strategic foresight to assist in charting the most effective course. I leverage proven leadership, negotiation, and communication skills to proactively address challenges.
Mastery of Challenging Approvals: My expertise extends to successfully managing the most demanding aspects of the process, including discretionary permits, Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), Variances, General Plan Amendments, Zone Changes, comprehensive CEQA//MSHCP environmental compliance, Tentative and Final Maps, Coastal Development Permits, and more.
Proactive Management & Relationship Building: I vigorously represent your project’s interests while cultivating and maintaining constructive, professional relationships with agency staff – a crucial element for efficient problem-solving and smooth approvals.

Comprehensive Entitlement & Permitting Solutions

My services encompass the full spectrum of development approval needs:

In-Depth Due Diligence & Feasibility Analysis: To help mitigate risk before acquisition. I provide detailed research into zoning, permitted uses, potential entitlement challenges, and realistic timeline/cost projections.
Strategic Discretionary Permit Management: I have successfully navigated CUPs, Variances, Zone Changes, and other similar subjective approvals with a well-crafted strategy. I manage documentation meticulously and represent your project effectively.
Environmental Review Leadership (CEQA): From managing Initial Studies and Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs) to overseeing full Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), I provide expert guidance through the intricate CEQA process.
Efficient Permit Processing & Coordination: I oversee the preparation, submission, and tracking of all necessary permits, ensuring efficient progress for:
- Land Use, Zoning, and Planning Approvals
- Construction Permits (Grading, Building & Safety, Public Works/Engineering, Traffic)
- Utility Permits & Coordination (Water, Sewer, Electric, Gas, Cable)
- Specialized Agency Clearances (Army Corps 404, RWQCB 401, CDFW, MSHCP, Coastal Commission, APCD, County Environmental Health, FAA, ALUC, BIA, and others).

Your DedicatedSouthern California Resource

My commitment is to client success throughout Southern California. I bring extensive experience collaborating with both city and county agencies across:

San Diego County
Riverside County
Orange County
Los Angeles County
San Bernardino County
Imperial County
And numerous cities within these counties, leveraging local knowledge and established relationships.

Our Client

Testimonials

" Terry is a key factor in the success of many of Sharp HealthCare’s projects. Terry has worked with us on a Cancer Center, a Master Plan, a major 770 stall parking structure, a medical office building and most recently on a new $239M hospital expansion. As a member of each project’s Design Build team, it was Terry’s job to manage the interface with local government and special districts on all required permits. We consistently achieve our fast track schedules, because Terry is “best-of-class” in securing entitlements. "

“Terry is one of the most impressive project managers I have worked with in my 36 years of construction experience. Permitting is a critical part of any construction project schedule. He truly manages the permitting process and gets results.”

“Have had the privilege of working with Terry Strom for several years. Cannot imagine going into battle without my entitlement sword and shield of Terry!”

“Terry gets in there and gets things done his tenacity, knowledge, expertise, get it done attitude proved infectious as the first project became a reality. He is the guy I want on my team to get the job done & we have retained his services on couple projects and look forward to having him on the next one.”

I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and several large project pursuits. Terry’s passion for his work is contagious! Permitting is critical on any job but in particular on large complex, multi-phased projects or programs. Terry has the expertise and the personal relationships to get the job done. I highly recommend him.

“We all know how challenging the entitlement/permitting process can be. Terry Strom recently expedited two parking variances for me with the County. He cut the timing anticipated for my clients in half with his connections, persistence and follow up and saved them a great deal of money. I highly recommend Terry!!”

Expedite Your Project Today

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