Entitlements
Entitlements are official permissions and approvals that property owners need before they can develop or change how they use their land. Think of them as a set of legal rights and permits that determine what can be built on a piece of property. This includes things like zoning approvals, building permits, environmental clearances, and other governmental authorizations. In real estate development, getting these entitlements is often one of the first and most important steps before any construction can begin.
Examples in Resumes
Successfully managed Entitlements process for 15 commercial properties
Obtained Entitlement approvals for mixed-use development projects across three counties
Led team responsible for securing Land Entitlements for $50M residential development
Typical job title: "Entitlement Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Entitlement Managers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a complex entitlement process involving multiple jurisdictions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience coordinating with different government agencies, managing timelines, understanding various regulations, and strategies for resolving conflicts between different jurisdictional requirements.
Q: Tell me about a challenging entitlement situation you resolved successfully.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, knowledge of negotiation with stakeholders, and understanding of how to navigate complex approval processes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating a property's entitlement potential?
Expected Answer: Should mention zoning regulations, environmental concerns, community impact, traffic studies, and timeline considerations for approval processes.
Q: How do you stay current with local zoning and land use regulations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss methods for tracking regulatory changes, relationship building with local officials, and involvement in industry organizations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic steps in the entitlement process?
Expected Answer: Should be able to outline the fundamental steps: initial research, due diligence, application submission, public hearings, and final approvals.
Q: What documents are typically required for an entitlement application?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic requirements like site plans, environmental studies, traffic reports, and application forms.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of zoning regulations
- Document preparation and organization
- Communication with government officials
- Research of property records
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing entitlement applications
- Coordination with consultants
- Understanding of environmental regulations
- Public hearing presentations
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex project management
- Negotiation with multiple stakeholders
- Strategy development for difficult approvals
- Team leadership and mentoring
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of local zoning codes and regulations
- Lack of experience with government agencies
- Poor understanding of real estate development process
- No experience with public presentations or hearings
