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Jonathan H. Riker

Counsel
Riker_Jonathan_LOW
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JRiker@Venable.com
Los Angeles, CA
T +1 310.229.9612

Jonathan’s practice focuses on land use, planning and zoning regulations, government administrative law, local housing laws, building code enforcement, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. Jonathan guides his clients through the land use entitlement process, including developers of multifamily housing, mixed-use, hospitality, and cannabis projects. He frequently conducts land use and environmental due diligence for perspective real estate sellers and purchasers and assists property owners in removing a variety of code violations imposed by local government agencies. He has significant experience in implementation of the State Ellis Act and housing-related issues, including Density Bonus law. Jonathan is a recognized local CEQA expert and was one of the first attorneys in Los Angeles to become an Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Prior to practicing law, Jonathan coordinated environmental reviews for large-scale development projects as a planner with the Los Angeles City Planning Department, including several high-profile mixed-use and multifamily housing projects in Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, and Century City. He gained considerable knowledge of the city’s environmental and land use approval processes and uses this experience to assist real estate developers and property owners in obtaining zoning approvals, conditional use permits, and other land use entitlements from the City of Los Angeles and other local jurisdictions. Jonathan also served as an expert consultant for a global environmental consulting firm, where he advised government agencies on compliance with CEQA and other environmental laws.

Related Practices

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Insights

Thought Leadership

July 13, 2023

AB 2011 and SB 6 Take Effect in Effort to Boost Residential Development on Commercial Sites
AB 2011 and SB 6 Take Effect in Effort to Boost Residential Development on Commercial Sites

Recent News

June 29, 2022

Venable Adds Experienced Land Use and Zoning Group to Its Los Angeles Office
Venable Adds Experienced Land Use and Zoning Group to Its Los Angeles Office

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. Tulane University Law School 1998
  • B.A. Sociology Columbia University

Bar Admissions

  • California

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Instructor, Environmental Law, UCLA Extension Public Policy Program
  • Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP), U.S. Green Building Council