SERVICES

CODE AND ORDINANCE PREPARATION

RDPA has experience writing codes and ordinances including zoning, subdivision, land development, signage, and design regulations. The firm can develop legally enforceable, user-friendly documents for its clients’ implementation that feature appropriate terminology, graphics, matrices, etc.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

RDPA has provided program management for community development block grant (CDBG) entitlement communities including project planning, grant administration, project implementation, and budget management and compliance. The firm can assist local governments with exploring and evaluating the current and future needs of the community and in initiating policy changes or enhancements to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND MEETING FACILITATION

RDPA can use its understanding of issues and expected outcomes along with process skills and tools, to help the groups it is working with engage in effective dialogue, understand the information and decisions the groups are considering and develop plans for effective action. The firm can develop community engagement programs centered on substance, process, and relationships to gain consensus.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANS & STRATEGIES

The firm has developed planning documents that clearly define and guide the future vision of local governments, community organizations, and other agencies. RDPA prepares high quality documents and can work with other firms to provide geographic information systems (GIS) and data analysis when necessary.

CONSOLIDATED PLANS

RDPA has experience in assisting local governments in developing the framework for community-wide dialogue to identify housing and community development priorities in alignment with formula block grant programs. The Consolidated Plan as utilized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is designed to help states and local jurisdictions assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions, and to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions.

ENTITLEMENT RESEARCH

RDPA can assist property owners with document acquisition and obtaining zoning certifications/verifications, building and zoning code violation information, certificates of occupancy, and copies of approved plans. This and other pertinent information can be used by the firm to develop a use analysis report for existing and future construction and development plans.

LAND USE AND ISSUES

Assisting clients in addressing unique issues relating to specific land uses. Examples include private schools, large and multiuse residential developments, mixed use developments, conditional uses, etc. RDPA has worked with clients to tackle a variety of zoning matters and has expertise in preparing standards and regulations to allay impacts the development community may have on residents and neighborhoods.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROBLEM SOLVING

The firm has experience in strategic planning for organizations to support staffs that may not have the capability or time to devote to such eff

NEIGHBORHOOD REPRESENTATION

Neighborhood and individual clients often need assistance in navigating issues with local governments related to development and construction projects or other legal aspects of property ownership. These clients have to rely on expert guidance to successfully address such matters. RDPA has experience in providing support and representation to neighborhoods and individual community members.

PERMIT EXPEDITING

The firm specializes in obtaining permits for development projects and has a deep understanding of local codes and regulations. Through its relationships with various jurisdictions, RDPA helps its clients navigate the development process from initiating zoning actions to certificate of occupancy.

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

RDPA enjoys providing speaking services and communication support to its clients on a range of topics including community development, land use law practice, community engagement, housing and homelessness, and sustainability, just to name a few.

SPECIAL AREA STUDIES

The firm has experience developing plans intended to provide detailed information and solutions to guide the future physical and regulatory characteristics of a particular area of a community. RDPA can assist local governments in strategizing ways to properly plan for and ensure sustainable development of an area.

SPECIALIZED PLANNING ISSUES

The firm has experience in specialized planning issues such as affordable housing, annexations, capital improvement programs, growth management, impact fees, and the start-up of operating departments for newly incorporated municipalities. RDPA can support local government clients in implementation of policies and regulations related to these topics.

ZONING ADMINISTRATION

RDPA can assist local governments in developing efficient and innovative zoning administration programs. The firm has worked with departments to streamline processes such as providing information about the zoning of properties, permitted uses, building setbacks, parking and landscape requirements, and sign regulations.