Experienced. Practical. Responsive.

Experienced Counsel for California's Most Complex Land Use and Environmental Matters


Lindsay Puckett helps developers, public agencies, and other project teams navigate the complex state and federal land use and environmental laws that shape successful development projects.

About Lindsay Puckett

A Trusted Environmental & Land Use Attorney


Lindsay advises on transactional and litigation matters involving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and land use entitlements.

Biography

Lindsay’s more than two decades of experience includes affordable and market-rate housing, commercial and industrial uses, mixed-use projects, coastal development, public infrastructure, renewable energy, and tribal cultural resources. She has also assisted clients in obtaining approvals from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California State Lands Commission. Lindsay’s background representing public agencies gives her a unique perspective when representing developers and working with agency staff. She is well-versed in collaborating with environmental consultants and other experts to complete projects on time and within budget. Lindsay offers practical solutions to bolster the defensibility of environmental documents and minimize the risk of litigation. Prior to founding Lindsay Puckett Law, Lindsay was a partner for 10 years in the Environmental Law and Natural Resources practice group of a national firm known for its public agency representation. She was also of counsel for an Am Law 200 firm, focusing on energy projects. Operating as a boutique practice based in Southern California allows Lindsay to remain closely involved in every matter, delivering responsive service and legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Education

  • Washington University School of Law, J.D., 2004
    • Chair, Environmental Moot Court Board
    • Vice President, Environmental Law Society
    • CALI Excellence for the Future Awards: Environmental Land Use and Litigation, State and Local Government, Mediation Theory and Practice
  • University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., American Literature and Culture, 2001

Admissions

  • California
  • U.S. District Courts for the Central and Southern Districts of California

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America® (Land Use and Zoning Law), 2023–present
  • San Diego Daily Transcript 40 Under 40 List of Young Professionals, 2017
  • San Diego Daily Transcript Outstanding Young Attorney, 2009

Experience

  • Advised transit agency on CEQA and NEPA compliance for multiple transit-oriented development (TOD) projects totaling over 750 units in San Diego County
  • Advised transit agency on CEQA and NEPA compliance for a large-scale clean transit project consisting of new maintenance and charging facility for electric buses
  • Advised developer on CEQA compliance and entitlement process for distribution center in City of San Bernardino
  • Advised multiple solar energy and battery energy storage system developers on CEQA compliance and entitlements for projects throughout California
  • Advised affordable housing authority on joint CEQA/NEPA review for redevelopment of existing public housing site involving demolition of existing structures and construction of 185 housing units
  • Advised affordable housing authority on joint CEQA/NEPA review for redevelopment of existing public housing complex to include phased demolition of existing structures and construction of more than 1,500 units, neighborhood serving uses, and commercial retail
  • Advised water district on CEQA compliance for advanced wastewater purification project in East San Diego County
  • Represented community services district in defense of solar project approved under the State’s Renewable Energy Self-Generation Bill Credit Transfer (RES-BCT) program and determination project was exempt from local zoning
  • Defended EIR and project approvals for 2,600-acre master-planned community in the City of Santee
  • Defended project approvals for mixed-use development with luxury hotel and affordable and market rate residential units in downtown San Diego
  • Represented city in settlement of CEQA lawsuit filed by environmental groups against Climate Action Plan
  • Represented energy company in settlement of lawsuit against the State Lands Commission enabling it to resume use of offshore pipeline under oil and gas leases
  • Represented cities in opposing expansion of existing detention facilities in City of San Diego and Los Angeles County
  • Represented cities in opposing expansion of existing landfills in City of San Diego and Orange County

Insights & Presentations

  • California Municipal Law Handbook, League of California Cities (chapter: California Environmental Quality Act), Reviewer (2020-2025 Editions)

  • “Streamlined Permitting Key to California’s Floating Offshore Wind Development,” POWER magazine, Sept. 1, 2023

  • “Phase 2 NEPA Revisions: Significant Changes Proposed by CEQ in the Proposed Bipartisan Permitting Reform Rule” (co-author), Stoel Rives Environmental Law Blog, August 3, 2023

  • “Partnering to Achieve California’s Water Supply Strategy” (co-speaker), ACWA Region 10 Event, June 29, 2023
  • “Chart: Traditional Stakeholders in Land Use Due Diligence Matters” (co-author), CEB, Dec. 19, 2024