Business Details
Environmental Planning Experts in California
De Novo Planning is a land use and environmental planning firm specializing in community planning, environmental studies, and sustainability planning. Our founding principals have completed over 200 projects across California, including general plan updates, specific plans, zoning codes, environmental impact reports, and climate action plans. We prioritize proactive planning that addresses public and environmental concerns early in the process, integrating local knowledge with national and international standards. Our approach balances economic, social, and environmental goals while maintaining principal-level attention to every client. We foster partnerships with agencies by listening to communities and stakeholders, ensuring project approaches reflect their input.Our work has earned recognition, including the Cal APA Northern Section Award of Merit for Economic Planning and Development. We deliver technically sound, cost-effective solutions tailored to client schedules. Our expertise spans CEQA/NEPA compliance, housing elements, biological assessments, and urban design. With offices in El Dorado Hills and Tustin, California, we serve municipal and private sector clients statewide. Our commitment to excellence ensures every project meets rigorous planning and environmental management standards.
Services
General Plans
CEQA/NEPA
Zoning Codes
Climate Action Plans
Housing Elements
Environmental Impact Reports
Biological Assessments
Urban Design
Community Engagement
Due Diligence
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 200 land use and environmental projects in California.
- Our principals provide direct oversight for every client engagement.
- We integrate local knowledge with national environmental standards.
- We balance economic, social, and environmental objectives in all projects.
- Our work has received recognition from the California APA Northern Section.
Services
General Plans
We develop comprehensive general plans that guide long-term community development. Our approach integrates environmental considerations with economic and social needs. Our plans provide actionable frameworks for municipalities and private developers across California.
CEQA/NEPA
We prepare environmental impact reports and assessments under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Our analyses ensure regulatory compliance while addressing community concerns. We deliver technically rigorous documentation for public and private sector clients.
Climate Action Plans
We create climate action plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting economic development. Our plans incorporate local conditions and regulatory requirements. We help municipalities meet state-mandated sustainability targets through measurable, implementable strategies.
Housing Elements
We develop housing elements that address local housing needs and state requirements. Our plans balance affordability with community character. We provide data-driven solutions for jurisdictions seeking to update their housing strategies.
Biological Assessments
We conduct biological assessments and wetland delineations for development projects. Our evaluations identify protected species and habitats. We help clients navigate environmental regulations while minimizing ecological impacts.
People
Steve McMurtry
Principal
Steve McMurtry leads environmental planning initiatives with over 25 years of experience in CEQA/NEPA compliance. He specializes in complex environmental impact reports and community engagement strategies for municipal clients across California.
Ben Ritchie
Principal
Ben Ritchie focuses on land use planning and zoning code updates. With expertise in general plan development, he helps jurisdictions create sustainable frameworks that balance growth with environmental protection through collaborative stakeholder processes.
Beth Thompson
Principal
Beth Thompson specializes in housing elements and climate action planning. She has guided numerous California municipalities through state-mandated housing updates while integrating sustainability goals into local development strategies.
Amanda Tropiano
Principal
Amanda Tropiano manages community engagement initiatives and urban design projects. She develops communication strategies that connect technical planning with public understanding for successful project implementation.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve municipalities and private clients throughout California from our offices in El Dorado Hills and Tustin.
What planning services do you offer?
We provide general plans, CEQA/NEPA compliance, climate action plans, housing elements, biological assessments, and community engagement services.
How do you handle environmental regulations?
We ensure compliance with CEQA and NEPA requirements through detailed environmental impact analyses and mitigation strategies tailored to each project.
Can you assist with housing development plans?
Yes, we specialize in housing elements that meet state requirements while addressing local affordability and community character concerns.
What makes your firm different?
Our principals provide direct project oversight, combining technical expertise with community-focused planning to deliver balanced, implementable solutions.
