Navigating the maze of planning, zoning and land use approval processes anywhere in the world can result in significant delays and escalating costs which can spell the difference between success and failure for a development project. To succeed, you need experienced, practical legal advisors to provide you with the right strategic advice throughout every stage of the planning process.

From the initial due diligence to the acquisition of property and construction, Dentons has the experience, technical expertise and key governmental contacts  to work collaboratively with you and your development consultants so you achieve your outcome in a timely, cost-efficient manner.  We are active and successful development advocates, with extensive experience and knowledge gained from working with some of the largest global, national and local developers, landowners and institutions and from appearing before governmental and regulatory authorities dealing with zoning and land use issues. We understand how development systems are used to raise finance and pay for infrastructure, and how to use those factors to help you succeed in having your plans and projects approved. We leverage our thorough understanding of land use regulation and the project approval process as well as our knowledge of the key players to help you achieve your business goals.

Whether your development plans involve a multi-phased planned development, the subdivision of existing lands, approvals for new construction or rehabilitation, heritage or architectural landmark preservation, safety code compliance, environmental assessment, licensing or other development approval issues, Dentons can provide the expertise and advice you need to address your toughest challenges.

Recognition

Hat Trick of Honors: Dentons lawyers shine nationally in 2026 Best Lawyers in Australia™

April 17, 2025

Dentons is proud to announce that its senior lawyers have been recognised across all three individual award categories in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia^™. In total, 40 lawyers have been recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ (2026 Edition), after being nominated by their peers as leading practitioners in their fields of practice, spanning 39 specialties.

Dentons retains top-five ranking for Planning amongst UK law firms

March 26, 2018

Dentons has been named the fourth highest rated planning law firm in the UK in Planning Magazine's 2018 Planning Law Survey, retaining its place in the top five for the third consecutive year. UK Planning partners Stephen Ashworth and Roy Pinnock were also ranked in the individual solicitors rankings, with Stephen in second place and Roy in eleventh place.

Dentons once again named one of the UK's highest rated planning law firms

March 24, 2017

Dentons is pleased to announce that the Firm has been named one of the top-5 highest rated law firms in Planning Magazine's 2017 Planning Law Survey. The Firm's UK Planning team was ranked fourth overall, rising one place from fifth position in 2016.

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Insights

Ontario announces the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 to cut red tape and speed up home construction

May 12, 2025

On May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (the MMAH) announced the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 (the Act). Minister Rob Flack, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, stated that the Act will “protect Ontario in the face of economic uncertainty by speeding up construction so we can lower housing costs and keep workers on the job.”

Affordable housing contributions: when can a Council require them?

April 24, 2025

Australia: To provide for affordable housing, councils often impose housing affordability contributions as conditions of consent. These conditions require developers to make monetary contributions. For Council to have the authority to impose these contribution conditions, there must be an authorising provision in the local environmental plan. 

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing proposes to expand strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities

April 11, 2025

On April 9, 2025, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced Ontario’s proposal to amend O. Reg. 530/22 under the Municipal Act, 2001 to expand strong mayor powers to the heads of council (HOC) in 169 additional municipalities, effective on May 1, 2025.

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News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Hat Trick of Honors: Dentons lawyers shine nationally in 2026 Best Lawyers in Australia™

April 17, 2025

Dentons is proud to announce that its senior lawyers have been recognised across all three individual award categories in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia^™. In total, 40 lawyers have been recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ (2026 Edition), after being nominated by their peers as leading practitioners in their fields of practice, spanning 39 specialties.

Jacopo Brambilla Sica and team join Dentons’ Public Law and Regulatory practice in Italy

November 7, 2023

Global law firm Dentons has strengthened its Public Law and Regulatory practice with the recruitment of Jacopo Brambilla Sica as a partner.

Jacopo Brambilla Sica and team join Dentons’ Public Law and Regulatory practice in Italy (in Italian)

November 7, 2023

Global law firm Dentons has strengthened its Public Law and Regulatory practice with the recruitment of Jacopo Brambilla Sica as a partner.

View all press releases for Development Zoning and Planning