S. Omar Izfar

Numerous cities in the metro-Houston area and along the Texas Gulf Coast have zoning laws. Although Houston lacks formal zoning laws, it has a sophisticated set of land use controls that affect subdivision platting, permitting, and other regulation of real estate development. In addition to assistance with navigation of complex governmental limitations on land use and development, Omar assists clients with collaboration with governmental entities in the formation of public-private partnerships and other governmental incentives in development projects.

Omar’s extensive experience in land use + zoning sets him apart from his peers and gives him a perspective that adds value to complex development projects. As evidence of his knowledge, he has published articles about Houston land use approvals, building permits, and deed restrictions.

Some of the ways Omar has assisted his land use clients include:

• Working as land use counsel for a major Fortune 500 retailer developing a 1 million+ square foot regional distribution hub.
• Representing multiple commercial property owners in litigation over the annexation of private land into the corporate limits of municipality.
• Representing numerous owners and developers of multi-family, commercial, and industrial properties against governmental agencies in disputes over regulatory takings claims resulting from the application of land use + zoning regulations.

Omar obtained his B.A. from Emory University in 2000 and his J.D. from the Rutgers-Camden School of Law in 2003.