Jeffrey A. "Jeff" Chine

Jeff is considered a preeminent land use lawyer in San Diego, assisting his clients navigate the legal, regulatory, and ever-increasing political challenges inherent in the entitlement of high-profile and controversial development projects. During these challenging times, Jeff is guiding his clients through uncharted waters by assisting those currently processing entitlements, and working diligently to preserve or extend those entitlements threatened by expiration. He continues to effectively work with jurisdictions that are now facing a myriad of challenges including civil court closures as well as limited staff and resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeff focuses in a wide variety of land use and environmental matters involving the permitting and development of complex mixed-use, residential, commercial, infill, and energy projects throughout California. He also represents developers in litigation with environmental groups and opponents of development in CEQA, Planning and Zoning Law, the Housing Accountability Act, the Subdivision Map Act, the Coastal Act, and other challenges to entitlements.

Jeff acts as General Counsel for the Building Industry Association (BIA) of San Diego County and chairs its Legal Action Committee. He has particular experience in emerging regulatory issues facing development in California, including the housing crisis, CEQA reform, water supply, and climate change. He frequently lectures to lawyers and professionals on land use and planning issues, and is a contributing author to Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) treatises on the Subdivision Map Act and Land Use Litigation. He has also taught CEQA to Superior Court Judges and Appellate Justices at the California Judicial College.

Before joining Allen Matkins, he was a partner and Chairman of the Real Estate Department of Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps, where he practiced for 20 years.