If you’re diving into a property development project—whether it's your first or your fifth—you’ve probably already realized one thing: it's not just about bricks and blueprints. Zoning codes, environmental regulations, community feedback, permitting processes ... the list of moving parts is long. That’s why I always recommend bringing in a land use consultant early in the process. Having an experienced pro in your corner can be the difference between a smooth path to groundbreaking and a maze of frustrating delays. Here are five reasons to hire a land use consultant.