About HORIZON
Every day your project sits in plan check is capital wasted. Between changing zoning codes, endless correction sheets, and bureaucratic red tape, navigating LA City Hall all alone is a massive liability—which is why HORIZON opens direct pathways through financing and permitting barriers, enabling community-aligned development projects that create local jobs, enhance neighborhoods, and unlock value throughout Los Angeles.
Expert Consultants
HORIZON is in constant engagement with the City, a must for a successful land use and building permit expediter. Land use planning regulations (known as entitlements) are constantly evolving. From zoning code updates to changes in the interpretation of building requirements, HORIZON is engaged in a continuous dialogue with City personnel to stay abreast of current and pending policy. With several projects in the pipeline at any given time, spanning the range of entitlement types, our conversations with the Planning and Building Departments occur weekly. With over 15 years of entitlement expertise and 20 years of real estate development experience, we have successfully navigated challenges which would surprise others. HORIZON works with community groups and local government to build consensus for public hearings and get projects approved. Let’s start a conversation, call 323-528-7674.
Finished projects
Community Meetings
Happy clients
% of Cases Approved
Services
Our services expedite development
Community Engagement + Political Advocacy
Planning + Zoning Entitlements
Permit Expediting
Investors
- 🏛️ Advocacy with City Council & Local Officials
- 📈 Alignment with Evolving Zoning & Planning Policies
- 🤝 Representation at Public Hearings & Community Meetings
Community Engagement + Political Advocacy
Guided by a unique legacy—raised by a Los Angeles City Planner and an Assistant Deputy Mayor—HORIZON’s founder grew up discussing municipal policy and land use. Today, our firm backs your project with over 20 years of professional expertise, navigating the deep evolution of zoning codes and leveraging trusted, long-term relationships to move complex developments forward. True advocacy isn't just filing detailed applications; it is about knowing how to strategically align your development goals with City and community objectives. We utilize this lifetime of inside insight to clear friction, build consensus, and protect your project timeline from day one.
- Density Bonus/ Transit Oriented Communities (TOC & TOD)
- Conditional Use Permit / Zone Variances / Zone Change
- Subdivisions / Planned Unit Development
Planning + Zoning Entitlements
HORIZON specializes in complex layered entitlements. We speak the same language as the City and work to align each project with the goals, objectives and policies of the local zoning ordinances. Our practice spans the range of development. From multi-family housing, to charter schools, to restaurants and grocery stores, we have experience to guide our clients, cut red tape, and secure project approvals. We understand how entitlements add value to each site. Our insight can help you uncover new opportunities. HORIZON can also serve as a municipal partner. Our experience with multiple jurisdictions provides insight to help Cities update their General Plan, Community Plans, Plan Overlays, and Zoning Codes.
- Department of Building and Safety
- Bureau of Engineering
- Planning Department
- Disabled Access
- Fire Department
Permit Expediting
Covid-19 has transformed the process of expediting building permits. HORIZON maintains relationships with permitting departments and knows the faces behind the portals to keep your project clearances moving. We are happy to work with your team of architects and engineers and serve as a single point of contact for all permitting departments.
- Place capital for waterfall opportunities
- Equity participation for services
- We can invest in your next project
Investors
HORIZON Development + Entitlement looks at multiple types of investing and investors. Contact us to place equity for new developments or other value add opportunities. We will consider providing our services for an equity position in your next development. For short term projects or smaller projects raising mezzanine finance, we may be interested in providing funds. Contact us to start a conversation.
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History
Established in 2014
Our Story
2014-PresentMBE/SBE/WBE
HORIZON Development + Entitlement, LLC, a MBE/SBE/WBE, was established in 2014 by Nichole Smith, a second generation land use entitlement consultant committed to building generational wealth. HORIZON brings real estate development expertise with an emphasis on affordable housing, schools, and large commercial properties. We work thoughtfully with community groups and local governments to build consensus and get projects approved.Crenshaw Corridor DRB
2018-PresentDevelopment Enhances Communities
HORIZON believes that development can reflect and enhance communities. As Chair of the Crenshaw Corridor Design Review Board, HORIZON's Principal Nichole Smith seeks to help developers via recommendations to provide quality design, landscaped open space that beautifies the community, and commercial components that provide local jobs and enhance the community character. It is the an honor to serve the community where Nichole grew up and continues to be a stakeholder.Small Lot Subdivision
2017Inglewood's First Small Lot Subdivision
While Small Lot Subdivisions were fueling development and expanding homeownership in Los Angeles, the neighboring City of Inglewood started working with HORIZON on the City's first Small Lot Subdivision project. HORIZON delivered the first of this type of development. We are excited by complex ground breaking entitlements that provide a pathway for phenomenal projects that provide quality housing for deserving families.Testimonials
Success is built from the ground up. Our success has been built through the referrals of our amazing clients, colleagues, and friends.
