Practice Overview
Geoff Etnire is a real estate specialist, limiting his practice to advising and representing clients in real estate and land use matters. For over 25 years, Geoff has represented developers, landowners, and investors in the acquisition, sale, and leasing of real estate, including guiding clients through the process of obtaining government approvals.
Widely-recognized as an experienced advocate, Geoff has resolved contractual, development, environmental, and redevelopment issues throughout California. Clients involve Geoff in proposals and projects at early stages, often before acquisition or leasing of the property, for his judgment and guidance in creating a proposal that is achievable and that minimizes the possibility of subsequent disputes.
Geoff was the founder of the Real Estate practice at Hoge Fenton and is editor of The Real Estate Book (a reference book for real estate professionals). Geoff created DirtLawyer.com, a land use website, and speaks frequently on real estate topics for the State Bar of California and for real estate professionals.
Representative Matters
- representation of landowners and developers in the processing and approval of General Plan Amendments, Specific Plans, Zoning amendments, CEQA certifications, and Development Agreements throughout Northern California, including the South Livermore Area Specific Plan, the Vineyard Avenue Corridor Specific Plan, and the El Charro Area Specific Plan
- negotiation and documentation of an agreement among 6 developers to share the infrastructure cost for 300 homes on 700 acres.
- infill development in dozens of cities in Northern California
- acquisition of land and governmental entitlements for the development of a 540,000 square foot outlet mall in Northern California
- leasing nationwide for an American subsidiary of a French public corporation
- master lease for office campus in San Ramon, California
- representation of a major national quarry operator and aggregate company on a variety of matters in Northern California over the last twenty years
- representation of major real estate funds in the acquisition, development, management, and disposition of properties
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of California - Real Property, Tax Law, Environmental Law Sections
- Santa Clara County Bar Association
- National Association of Industrial & Office Properties (NAIOP)
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)