Solano Press Books

06/03/2026

Wednesday June 3 2026
Strategic Code Enforcement

The definitive guide to creating, administering, and enforcing land use regulations and building, housing, and nuisance abatement codes and procedures. A complete update of Solano Press's Code Enforcement: A Comprehensive Approach, reflecting changes in the field and the legal, policy, and political complexities confronting code enforcement professionals today, such as zoning reform, housing preservation, hoarding, homeless encampments, and vacant properties. Outlines core principles and practices for data-driven decision-making, proactive leadership, creative management and cross-agency, cross-sector collaborations to advance community goals. Highlights innovative strategies and models from pioneering cities across the country, and examples of statutory and case law from California and other states. An essential reference for local government policymakers, planning and housing directors, municipal attorneys, prosecutors, code enforcement practitioners, and their nonprofit and community partners.

Solano Press Books congratulates co-authors Joe Schilling and Doug Leeper, who will serve as faculty at the 10th Annual Strategic Code Enforcement Management Academy (SCEMA) that will be hosted at the University of Memphis Law School, June 10th-12th, 2026. Cross departmental code teams (housing, fire, building, zoning, law, etc.) from the following cities will cover many of the core principles and practices outlined in the Solano Press Strategic Code Enforcement (2025): Baltimore (MD), Baton Rouge (LA), Cleveland (OH), Elk Grove (CA), Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville (TN), Puerto Rico, Stockton (CA), St. Louis (MO) and Syracuse (NY). In celebration of its 10th year, SCEMA participants and faculty will receive a discount on purchases of the Strategic Code Enforcement.

Authors: Joe Schilling, Douglas Leeper & Diane Silva Martinez

Print Price: $180 plus tax and shipping

Navigating the California Coastal Act

The only book that provides a comprehensive but concise overview and guide to practice under the California Coastal Act. Offers a clear understanding of current substantive standards and procedures—including how development along the coast is defined, where it may be permitted and under what substantive and procedural standards, and how jurisdiction over planning for development and conservation in coastal areas is determined. Practice tips throughout the book suggest ways to work effectively with Coastal Commission staff and present cases to the Commission.

Navigating the California Coastal Act is intended for planners and officials at local, state, and federal agencies, as well as property owners, real estate developers, attorneys and judges, interested citizen activists, and students.

Author: Jana Zimmer

Print price: $80 plus tax and shipping

Also available as an e-book on Amazon

Land Use Planning in California: An Essential Reference

A comprehensive guide to how land use planning works in California. Extensive, easy-to-use cross-references help readers find what they need and understand the connections and interrelationships among a wide range of planning topics. A vital resource for new and seasoned planners; students in planning and related fields; and professionals in public works, architecture, landscape architecture, law, real estate, public health, air quality, water resources, wildfire management, transportation, coastal resources, and climate protection - as well as journalists, community activists, land conservation and historic preservation advocates, and legislative staff.

Author: Thomas Jacobson

Print price: $75 plus tax and shipping

Also available as an e-book on Amazon

05/12/2026

Tuesday May 12 2026
California Land Use & Planning Law 40th edition

For over four decades, California Land Use and Planning Law has provided a succinct and definitive summary of the major provisions of California’s land use and planning laws and has been cited by the California Supreme Court and numerous appellate courts as an authoritative source.

This 40th edition summarizes two years of published decisions, statutory revisions and other agency policies and guidance, including:

• Analysis of new statutory requirements for expanded or updated General Plan content relating to safety, circulation, and conservation elements (Chapter 2)

• Discussion of new California Supreme Court authority clarifying what constitutes a prior lawful “division” of property under the Subdivision Map Act for purposes of the Act’s grandfathering provision (Chapter 5)

• Discussion of new CEQA exemptions for qualified infill residential projects (AB 130) and proposed housing projects that would be exempt “but for a single condition” (SB 131) (Chapter 6)

• Analysis of new case law addressing CEQA requirements, including stability of project descriptions, substantial evidence required to support exemptions, development of thresholds of significance, reliance on offsets for GHG mitigation, requirements for tribal consultation, and calculating the statute of limitations for NODs (Chapter 6)

• Analysis of the Corps and EPA’s November 2025 jointly proposed revisions to federal regulations defining “waters of the United States” subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, and the Corps’ June 2025 proposed reissuance and modifications of Nationwide Permits (NWPs) (Chapter 7)

• Analysis of the USFWS and NMFS’s November 2025 jointly proposed revisions to the federal regulations addressing Section 7 consultations, decisions to list and delist species, designations of areas of critical habitat, and exclusions of areas from such designations (Chapter 8)

• Analysis of significant new United States Supreme Court authority—Sheetz v. County of El Dorado—on the application of Nollan’s and Dolan’s nexus and rough proportionality standards to legislatively enacted exactions in California and discussion of how local agencies and California courts may respond to Sheetz (Chapter 12)

• Discussion of new case law on the distinction between legislative actions subject to referendum as compared to those considered administrative and thus beyond the reach of ballot box challenge (Chapter 13)

• Discussion of new legislation establishing that qualified transit-oriented housing development projects “shall be an allowed use” on sites zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development near TOD stops in eight urban counties (SB 79) (Chapter 15)

• Discussion of revisions to other state housing laws, including Housing Element Law, Density Bonus Law, the Housing Accountability Act and the Affordable Housing and High Roads Act of 2022, as well as of the new Office to Housing Conversion Act (for adaptive reuse projects) (Chapter 15)

• Analysis of new case law addressing recovery of attorneys’ fees under Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5, particularly in light of new Government Code section 65589.5(p)(1), which requires a court give “due weight” to the degree to which the challenged agency approval furthers HAA policies (Chapter 18)

Authors: Cecily Talbert Barclay and Matthew Gray

Print Price: $130 plus tax and shipping

Natural Resource Regulation in California
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This book is for anyone seeking an understanding of the complexities of state and federal wetlands and endangered species permitting in California. It is a resource for lawyers, students, teachers, planners, biologists, resource managers, local government officials, consultants, and members of the public It provides a useful guide that offers both a broad perspective and detailed information on the agencies, laws, regulations, and policies that govern the permitting process.

Topics include:

Threatened and endangered species (state and federal)
Avian, plant, and fish protections (state and federal)
California fully protected and other special status species
Wetlands and other waters of the United States
California’s new wetlands definition and dredge and
fill procedures for waters of the State
Rivers, streams, and lakes under the California Fish
and Game Code
Conservation easements, mitigation banks and other mitigation structures
Conservation planning (HCPs, NCCPs, RCISs)
Cultural resources under the National Historic Preservation Act and other statutes
California bay and coastal resource protection
The public trust doctrine
Print Price: $135 plus tax and shipping

ISBN: 978-1-938166-31-0

Kindle e-book available at Amazon.com

ISBN: 978-1-938166-32-7

Guide to the California Forest Practice Act and Related Laws
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ON SALE NOW - 25% OFF LIST PRICE

A comprehensive treatise on the applicable state and federal legislation that regulates timber harvesting on private lands in California. Intended as a complete resource for the full range of actors involved, the book covers statutory and regulatory requirements, case law, and agency policies, and includes short articles, charts, graphs, tables, and appendices to help the reader understand complex regulatory processes and how they interrelate.

COVERED TOPICS

Agencies and professional groups involved in forest practices regulation
Board of Forestry rulemaking requirements
Timber harvest review process
Substantive standards for timber harvest plans
Standards specific to protection of animals and plants
Rules governing protection of historical and archaeological resources
Sustained yield plan process and other types of timber harvest plans
Local government regulation of timber harvesting
Timberland Productivity Act
Timberland conversion
Private and public enforcement mechanisms and penalties
Requirements for disclosure of public records
Licensing and regulation of registered professional foresters and licensed timber operators
State and federal forestry assistance programs
Common law nuisance and the public trust doctrine
Authors: Sharon E. Duggan and Tara Mueller

Print Price: $95 less 25%, plus tax and shipping
see our website for more information www.solano.com
Thank you.

Solano Press Books is a California publishing house specializing in definitive references on land use, planning law, urban affairs, and environmental subjects.

04/14/2026

Monday April 13 2026
The 40th edition of California Land Use & Planning Law is here!
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We are so excited to bring you the latest, most updated edition!

For over four decades, California Land Use and Planning Law has provided a succinct and definitive summary of the major provisions of California’s land use and planning laws and has been cited by the California Supreme Court and numerous appellate courts as an authoritative source.

This 40th edition summarizes two years of published decisions, statutory revisions and other agency policies and guidance, including:

• Analysis of new statutory requirements for expanded or updated General Plan content relating to safety, circulation, and conservation elements (Chapter 2)

• Discussion of new California Supreme Court authority clarifying what constitutes a prior lawful “division” of property under the Subdivision Map Act for purposes of the Act’s grandfathering provision (Chapter 5)

• Discussion of new CEQA exemptions for qualified infill residential projects (AB 130) and proposed housing projects that would be exempt “but for a single condition” (SB 131) (Chapter 6)

• Analysis of new case law addressing CEQA requirements, including stability of project descriptions, substantial evidence required to support exemptions, development of thresholds of significance, reliance on offsets for GHG mitigation, requirements for tribal consultation, and calculating the statute of limitations for NODs (Chapter 6)

• Analysis of the Corps and EPA’s November 2025 jointly proposed revisions to federal regulations defining “waters of the United States” subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, and the Corps’ June 2025 proposed reissuance and modifications of Nationwide Permits (NWPs) (Chapter 7)

• Analysis of the USFWS and NMFS’s November 2025 jointly proposed revisions to the federal regulations addressing Section 7 consultations, decisions to list and delist species, designations of areas of critical habitat, and exclusions of areas from such designations (Chapter 8)

• Analysis of significant new United States Supreme Court authority—Sheetz v. County of El Dorado—on the application of Nollan’s and Dolan’s nexus and rough proportionality standards to legislatively enacted exactions in California and discussion of how local agencies and California courts may respond to Sheetz (Chapter 12)

• Discussion of new case law on the distinction between legislative actions subject to referendum as compared to those considered administrative and thus beyond the reach of ballot box challenge (Chapter 13)

• Discussion of new legislation establishing that qualified transit-oriented housing development projects “shall be an allowed use” on sites zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development near TOD stops in eight urban counties (SB 79) (Chapter 15)

• Discussion of revisions to other state housing laws, including Housing Element Law, Density Bonus Law, the Housing Accountability Act and the Affordable Housing and High Roads Act of 2022, as well as of the new Office to Housing Conversion Act (for adaptive reuse projects) (Chapter 15)

• Analysis of new case law addressing recovery of attorneys’ fees under Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5, particularly in light of new Government Code section 65589.5(p)(1), which requires a court give “due weight” to the degree to which the challenged agency approval furthers HAA policies (Chapter 18)

Authors: Cecily Talbert Barclay and Matthew Gray

Print price: $130 plus tax and shipping

Land Use Planning in California: An Essential Reference

A comprehensive guide to how land use planning works in California. Extensive, easy-to-use cross-references help readers find what they need and understand the connections and interrelationships among a wide range of planning topics. A vital resource for new and seasoned planners; students in planning and related fields; and professionals in public works, architecture, landscape architecture, law, real estate, public health, air quality, water resources, wildfire management, transportation, coastal resources, and climate protection - as well as journalists, community activists, land conservation and historic preservation advocates, and legislative staff.

Author: Tom Jacobson

Print price: $75 plus tax and shipping

Also available as an e-book on Amazon

Navigating the California Coastal Act
Inline Image
The only book that provides a comprehensive but concise overview and guide to practice under the California Coastal Act. Offers a clear understanding of current substantive standards and procedures—including how development along the coast is defined, where it may be permitted and under what substantive and procedural standards, and how jurisdiction over planning for development and conservation in coastal areas is determined. Practice tips throughout the book suggest ways to work effectively with Coastal Commission staff and present cases to the Commission.

Navigating the California Coastal Act is intended for planners and officials at local, state, and federal agencies, as well as property owners, real estate developers, attorneys and judges, interested citizen activists, and students.

Author: Jana Zimmer

Print price: $80 plus tax and shipping

Also available as an e-book from Amazon

03/19/2026

This Land Use and Planning Law, 40th edition, is now available at www.solano.com

02/10/2026

Tuesday, February 10 2026
California Land Use & Planning Law, 40th edition
Inline Image
Pre-Order Now for Free Shipping

For over four decades, California Land Use and Planning Law has provided a succinct and definitive summary of the major provisions of California’s land use and planning laws and has been cited by the California Supreme Court and numerous appellate courts as an authoritative source.

This 40th edition summarizes two years of published decisions, statutory revisions and other agency policies and guidance, including:

• Analysis of new statutory requirements for expanded or updated General Plan content relating to safety, circulation, and conservation elements (Chapter 2)

• Discussion of new California Supreme Court authority clarifying what constitutes a prior lawful “division” of property under the Subdivision Map Act for purposes of the Act’s grandfathering provision (Chapter 5)

• Discussion of new CEQA exemptions for qualified infill residential projects (AB 130) and proposed housing projects that would be exempt “but for a single condition” (SB 131) (Chapter 6)

• Analysis of new case law addressing CEQA requirements, including stability of project descriptions, substantial evidence required to support exemptions, development of thresholds of significance, reliance on offsets for GHG mitigation, requirements for tribal consultation, and calculating the statute of limitations for NODs (Chapter 6)

• Analysis of the Corps and EPA’s November 2025 jointly proposed revisions to federal regulations defining “waters of the United States” subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, and the Corps’ June 2025 proposed reissuance and modifications of Nationwide Permits (NWPs) (Chapter 7)

• Analysis of the USFWS and NMFS’s November 2025 jointly proposed revisions to the federal regulations addressing Section 7 consultations, decisions to list and delist species, designations of areas of critical habitat, and exclusions of areas from such designations (Chapter 8)

• Analysis of significant new United States Supreme Court authority—Sheetz v. County of El Dorado—on the application of Nollan’s and Dolan’s nexus and rough proportionality standards to legislatively enacted exactions in California and discussion of how local agencies and California courts may respond to Sheetz (Chapter 12)

• Discussion of new case law on the distinction between legislative actions subject to referendum as compared to those considered administrative and thus beyond the reach of ballot box challenge (Chapter 13)

• Discussion of new legislation establishing that qualified transit-oriented housing development projects “shall be an allowed use” on sites zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development near TOD stops in eight urban counties (SB 79) (Chapter 15)

• Discussion of revisions to other state housing laws, including Housing Element Law, Density Bonus Law, the Housing Accountability Act and the Affordable Housing and High Roads Act of 2022, as well as of the new Office to Housing Conversion Act (for adaptive reuse projects) (Chapter 15)

• Analysis of new case law addressing recovery of attorneys’ fees under Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5, particularly in light of new Government Code section 65589.5(p)(1), which requires a court give “due weight” to the degree to which the challenged agency approval furthers HAA policies (Chapter 18)

Authors: Cecily Talbert Barclay and Matthew Gray

Print price: $130

Strategic Code Enforcement
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Another new offering, Strategic Code Enforcement by Joseph Schilling, Diane Silva Martinez, and Douglas Leeper, is now available as an e-book.

The definitive guide to creating, administering, and enforcing land use regulations and building, housing and nuisance abatement codes and procedures. A complete update of Solano Press's Code Enforcement: A Comprehensive Approach, reflecting changes in the field and the legal, policy, and political complexities confronting code enforcement professionals today, such as zoning reform, housing preservation, hoarding, homeless encampments, and vacant properties. Outlines core principles and practices for data-driven decision-making, proactive leadership, creative management and cross-agency, cross-sector collaborations to advance community goals. Highlights innovative strategies and models from pioneering cities across the country, and examples of statutory and case law from California and other states. An essential reference for local government policymakers, planning and housing directors, municipal attorneys, prosecutors, code enforcement practitioners, and their nonprofit and community partners.

Authors: Joe Schilling, Douglas Leeper & Diane Silva Martinez

Print price: $180 plus tax and shipping

Available as an e-book on Amazon.

Solano Press Books
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BOOKS THAT MATTER

Planning, Land Use & Environmental Publications
PO Box 773
Point Arena, CA 95468
Phone: 800-931-9373
www.solano.com email: [email protected]

Solano Press Books is a California publishing house specializing in definitive references on land use, planning law, urban affairs, and environmental subjects.

02/07/2026

The seventh edition of Guide to California Planning is available at www.solano.com
https://solano.com/collections/featured-titles/products/guide-to-california-planning-7th-edition
Thank you to Bill Fulton for this Guide to California Planning 7th edition.

Author: William Fulton 426 pages Since it was first published in 1991, Guide to California Planning has served as the authoritative textbook on city and county planning practice throughout the state.The first book ever written that covers all aspects of planning in a single state, Guide to Californi...

02/07/2026

The Practical CEQA supplement by author Terry RIVASPLATA and Greta BROWNLOW is available on the Solano Press webpage for you to use and update.
https://solano.com/collections/featured-titles/products/practical-ceqa-a-stepwise-guide-to-california-environmental-quality-act-compliance
link:
Practical CEQA 2026 Update

Item # PCEQA ISBN: 978-1-938166-35-8 Copyright (c) 2020 Paperback 199 pages Price: $80.00 Kindle e-book available at Amazon.com ISBN: 978-1-938166-36-5 Price: $40.00 2026 Supplement available now A step-by-step reference for public agency staff, consultants, attorneys, developers, and citizens seekin...

10/16/2025

Wednesday, October 15 2025
Thank you from the APA
Jon and I look forward every year to the APA conference, held this year in Monterey. We had a wonderful time at our booth, catching up with authors and meeting new students. We also met some potential new authors.

It was so exciting to introduce our newest book, Strategic Code Enforcement, and have a meet-and-greet with the two authors, Joe Schilling and Douglas Leeper.

We also had the opportunity to celebrate with Bill Fulton, as he premieres the 7th edition of the Guide to California Planning. He was on hand for a book signing as well. Bill has also recently authored "How Will SB 79 Affect Cities In California?" a California Planning and Development report. You can read it here: https://www.cp-dr.com/

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, we really enjoyed meeting everyone.

Ling-Yen and Jon

Strategic Code Enforcement

NEW FROM SOLANO PRESS BOOKS

The definitive guide to creating, implementing, and administering a comprehensive land use, zoning, or building code enforcement program. A complete update of Solano Press’s Code Enforcement: A Comprehensive Approach, reflecting changes in the field and the new complexities confronting code enforcement professionals today. Includes innovative strategies and models from pioneering cities across the country, and examples of statutory and case law from California and other states. An essential reference for local government policymakers, code enforcement practitioners, and their partners.

Topics include:

The elements of strategic code enforcement—the major actors, external forces, and core principles and practices
Legal, regulatory, policy, and planning foundations for code enforcement
Managing code enforcement operations
Investigating code enforcement cases
Selecting and using code enforcement remedies
Pursuing criminal prosecution
Taking civil judicial action
Defending code enforcement actions
Handling complex cases
We are having a pre-sale for this new addition to the Solano Press Library. The regular price will be $180 when it arrives fresh from the printer. We are accepting pre-sale orders for $162. Click here to order

Open Space and Land Conservation Handbook

A comprehensive handbook offering practical solutions for the preservation of open space and natural resources. A how-to guide that provides the reader with quick references, case studies, simple methodologies, and analysis of various approaches to open space preservation.

The Open Space and Land Conservation Handbook is designed for planners, landscape architects, government administrators, consultants, open space and land conservation professionals, decisionmakers, and community leaders who want to enhance their area's capacity for protecting valuable natural resource and recreation lands.

Author: Jeff Loux

Print price: $65 plus tax and shipping

ISBN: 978-0-923956-74-5

E-book now available on Amazon.com.

ISBN: 978-1-938166-79-0

Guide to Local Government Finance in California, 2nd edition

Guide to Local Government Finance in California, 2nd edition brings the financial picture for California governments up to date, while making the book even easier to use.

This new edition provides a solid foundation for those who are interested in better understanding and navigating the complexity of California local public finance. The first edition, published in 2012, introduced a unique look at local government finance covering not only the vital fundamentals - like budgeting, accounting, and investing - but also lesser known yet equally powerful forces that affect the ability of cities, counties and special districts to deliver essential services.

In a constantly changing environment, economic conditions evolve, new laws are enacted, different issues become especially topical to the public and the academy. This new second edition of Guide to Local Government in California addresses those changes.

Authors: Michael Multari, Michael Coleman, Kenneth Hampian, and Bill Statler

Print Price: $90 plus tax and shipping

ISBN: 978-1-938166-17-4

Also now available on Amazon.com

ISBN 978-1-938166-18-1

California Planning & Development Report

10/03/2025

The APA Waves of Change was a wonderful event. We had a wonderful conference at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, CA.
Thank you, APA, for a wonderful event. We had a good time reconnecting with our authors and meeting new authors as well. We got to celebrate with a champagne toast to mark the 40th year of CP&DR with Bill Fulton and friends.
We had a nice book signing with Bill Fulton and his 7th edition of the Guide to California Planning. And we introduced our new book, Strategic Code Enforcement, with authors Joe Schilling and Douglas Leeper.

09/29/2025

We are having a great time at the APA California conference in Monterey. Bill Fulton author of Guide to California Planning, seventh edition is here as well as 2 authors of our upcomIng title Strategic Code Enforcement.