Why CA Is Known for Such Strict Development Regulations

California is known for its stringent development regulations. This isn’t anything new. The state has always been a challenging place to build and develop. The guidelines are aimed at protecting the state’s natural resources, but they are also tied to a suburban—rather than big city—mindset, according to Sonnet Hui, general manager and VP of Project Management Advisors. She has worked through the regulations for years, and understands the ins and outs.

“There’s a long history of trying to protect the state’s unique natural beauty and resources and rightly so,” Hui tells GlobeSt.com. “We have nearly every biome on the planet and the unique challenges that go along with them, from forest fires to coastal erosion and seismic activity. Perhaps more than other states, we feel the effects of climate change and enact rules to attempt to combat it. Ultimately, the regulations are in place to protect the state and the people who live and work here.”