Legal Alerts Sep 08, 2021
Common Interest Developments May Not Impose Post-Purchase Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals
City Restrictions Are Not Affected
Jeff’s practice focuses on all aspects of local government law.
He is city attorney for the cities of Palm Springs and San Juan Capistrano.
Jeff represents cities and special districts in court, at public meetings and in complex land use transactions.
Jeffrey S. Ballinger is a partner with Best Best & Krieger LLP and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. His practice emphasizes all aspects of governmental law, including the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and the Political Reform Act, planning/zoning and environmental/natural resources law. Jeff also has experience representing cities and special districts on issues involving the California Coastal Act of 1976.
Municipal Law
Jeff serves as city attorney for the cities of Palm Springs and San Juan Capistrano, and is the former city attorney for the cities of Fontana, San Jacinto and Indian Wells. In addition to his city attorney work, Jeff also serves as general counsel to the Western Municipal Water District, Chino Valley Independent Fire Protection District and the Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District. Jeff frequently advises cities and other local governmental agencies on the Brown Act, the Political Reform Act and the Public Records Act. He works hard to ensure that the governing boards and councils he advises operate legally and smoothly to best serve their constituents. In often politically charged atmospheres, Jeff’s calm influence helps keep intra-council relations positive as he helps them find common ground.
Jeff is a past chapter chair for the League of California Cities Municipal Law Handbook. He also previously served on the League of California Cities Legal Advocacy Committee, including as chair. Jeff has also served on the League of California Cities Environmental Policy Committee. Jeff also serves on the Board of Advisors to the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy, Executive Education Forum.
Recent projects include:
Jeff is putting his municipal law experience and knowledge on such issues as the Political Reform Act and the Public Records Act to use while providing as special counsel to LA28. The nonprofit, which he has served since 2015, was formed to bring the Olympics to Los Angeles in 2028.
Land Use, Planning & Zoning
Jeff represents both cities and special districts in court, at public meetings and in the course of complex land use transactions. He advises both public and private clients on matters including the Planning and Zoning law, the Subdivision Map Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. In addition, he has successfully defended land use and CEQA challenges both at the trial and appellate levels. Jeff’s experience includes serving as legal counsel to the planning commissions of five cities, one of whom – Fontana – was listed as one of the top three fastest growing cities in California. He has also assisted private parties in obtaining development approvals before cities and counties throughout California.
Originally, Jeff aimed to become a prosecutor, as he wanted to serve the community by keeping it safe. Prior to joining BB&K, Jeff worked at the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, as well as the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in the Writs and Appeals Department. He also worked at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, gaining daily courtroom experience. He is glad that the work he does serving public agencies has a positive impact on the community.
While attending law school, Jeff served as a judicial intern for Judge Mitchell Goldberg in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. He was also editor of the USC Law Review. Jeff taught courses at his alma mater, the University of California, Riverside. He enjoys sailing, snowboarding and participating in physical endurance competitions to benefit charitable causes, including the AIDS LifeCycle and Tough Mudder. He also collects Swatch watches. Jeff and his husband live in San Diego.
Education
Admissions
Memberships
Awards
City Restrictions Are Not Affected
2019 Brings Changes to Election, Revenue, Conflict of Interest, Property and Public Safety Laws… and More
PublicCEO
PublicCEO
Cannabis, LAFCO Law and a Round Up of Other New Laws Impacting Public Agencies
Housing and Land Use, Environment, Public Property/Public Works and Economic Development
Elections, Public Records Act, Revenue and Conflicts of Interest
Development, Accommodations, Sea Rise and Public Access
By Jeffrey S. Ballinger
California Court of Appeal Weighs in on California Coastal Act
California Supreme Court Decision Applies to Other Development Permits
BB&K Attorneys Contributed to Update of ILG’s Flagship Ethics Resource
Laws Passed in 2016 That Will Impact Public Agency Work
Is Transparency Law a Game Changer?
Regulators Should Act to Ensure Communities are Prepared for Recreational Uses
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