Land Entitlements are the approvals necessary to make a project become reality. Problem solving and creativity is not just reserved for the design and strategy of golf courses. In this phase, they will be equally revered.

When to Move Forward
Before a project can move forward, permission must be granted from the community and pertinent regulatory agencies. Being prepared is essential at this point, as there will assuredly be a lot of questions from citizens, city planners and government leaders. If answers to these questions cannot be provided, there will likely be problems receiving the necessary vote of confidence to proceed.

Engage Professionals to Assist in Critical Areas of Concern
One way to prepare for entitlements is to work with professionals that have experience serving as a resource for golf course projects. Having experts on the team that can answer questions about engineering-related issues, vehicle traffic, wildlife and environmental concerns, etc. will provide proper perspective.

Understand What Permits are Necessary
When proposing a new course, be sure to find out what permits need acquiring and any challenges that can go along with that process. Meet with appropriate local and regional planners and city leaders to discuss issues such as codes, regulations, permits and scheduling. Also meet with community groups and individuals who have an interest in the project, in addition to the local elected officials who will vote on whether or not to approve the project. Get a feel for which way they are leaning, and if they seem unsupportive, ask what alterations would be needed to gain their support.

Incorporate Finding into Planning
Once the first round of requesting feedback from local citizens and government officials is completed, share all of the gathered comments and concerns with the other design team members and make any necessary changes to the project plan. Then meet with those interested parties again and show how their concerns have been addressed. At this point, there will either be another round of feedback to consider integrating into the project plan, or their concerns will have been sufficiently addressed and permits can now be pursued.

Submit Application / Public Hearing and Approval
Ideally all the hard work done up front in gauging support for the project will prevent any surprises from taking place during the public hearing and approval meetings. With proper preparation and careful planning, local citizens and elected officials will be excited about having a new golfing venue in town.

Next: Financing »