Robin R. Baral

Intro

Robin is a proven problem solver who thrives in situations where creative, legally defensible strategies are needed to deliver on client goals and expectations. He expertly guides clients through nearly every aspect of the land development process in California, primarily through the city or county approval process and as needed to obtain state or federal permits or environmental clearance. Robin has extensive experience working with developers, landowners, investment groups and government agencies throughout California. His core expertise lies in facilitating entitlement approvals and efficiently navigating environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other federal and state permitting frameworks.

In more than 15 years of practice, Robin has worked with clients to obtain entitlements for nearly every type of residential project, ranging from small-lot subdivisions to large urban infill sites, mixed-use master plans and multi-phased development agreements. He  works with technology clients to develop deployment strategies related to urban mobility, transportation, and public and private infrastructure. He enjoys working with clients that are at the forefront of innovation in multifamily housing production through the use of mass timber, offsite modular, and panelized construction to deliver high-performance buildings. Robin also has deep experience working with development teams to design residential and mixed-use master plans that incorporate environmental protections, such as onsite wetlands conservation, and emerging “agrihood” and wellness communities integrated with residential and mixed-use development.  

Robin spent the beginning of his career representing small, rapidly growing cities in negotiating development agreements, processing complex entitlement packages, and establishing special taxes, impact fees and other forms of public revenue. He now primarily represents the private sector (developers, investors, business groups) on development and municipal finance matters. After working deeply in both the public and private sectors, Robin has seen firsthand where ongoing challenges, such as housing accessibility and climate resiliency, can be met by working collaboratively and by embracing innovation. When alignment is lacking, Robin is adept at harnessing state laws, such as SB 330, State Density Bonus Law, Builder’s Remedy, and ministerial pathways to get infill housing, office and hospitality projects approved.

In housing policy and other land development arenas, Robin is skilled at providing strategic counsel in response to legislative and regulatory mandates. This is due to his engagement in policy and legislative circles around Sacramento, and his active involvement in helping to shape those policies.

His infrastructure work includes permitting and financing of groundwater and surface water treatment plants, solar and wind energy facilities, wastewater treatment plants, water bottling facilities, rail trans-loading facilities, and waste disposal facilities. Robin provides sophisticated advice on matters of public finance and dispute resolution for state and local taxes. He works well with clients and bond counsel to establish tax and financing solutions. He has assisted numerous cities, counties and special districts with rate-making proceedings, voter-approved taxes, and the adoption of impact fees. This experience has provided Robin with a thorough understanding of the constitutional limits of local taxation and land use exactions.

When needed, Robin has served as the lead attorney to successfully resolve a broad range of litigation matters. His cases have involved defending project entitlements and CEQA approvals, challenging and defending municipal finance mechanisms (Proposition 218, impact fees, CFD financing), and challenging business license taxes, ballot initiatives, and water rights determinations.

Areas of Focus

Education

Academic Distinction

Admissions and Courts