Jeff C. Utz
Director
Washington, D.C.
jutz@goulstonstorrs.com+1 202 721 1132Jeff C. Utz
Director, Washington, D.C.
jutz@goulstonstorrs.com+1 202 721 1132Related Expertise
When high-stakes development and land use decisions are on the line, clients turn to Jeff Utz for his strategic insight, deep knowledge of Washington D.C.’s regulatory landscape, and proven ability to navigate complex approval processes with precision and credibility.
Jeff’s clients appreciate his extensive experience in matters involving land use and development, zoning, historic preservation, municipal law, and urban renewal. He represents clients in the development of mixed-use, residential, office, retail, institutional, and embassy/consulate/diplomatic mission projects.
He has appeared before virtually every public forum in Washington, D.C., including the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), the Zoning Commission, the Foreign Mission Board of Zoning Adjustment (FMBZA), the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), the National Capitol Planning Commission (NCPC), and the D.C. City Council.
Related Representative Matters
Jubilee Housing, Inc., a nonprofit providing affordable housing and supportive services to more than 700 economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Washington, D.C., in the acquisition and redevelopment of the 66-unit Maycroft Apartments at 1640 Columbia Road, NW. Counsel included strategy development for rehabilitation financing, securing historic landmark designation and associated tax credits, and obtaining special exception approvals from the Board of Zoning Appeals for community-focused uses, including a child development center, teen education center, and job counseling center.
A joint venture in securing all land use and zoning entitlements for Eckington Yards (1619 Eckington Place and 1500 Harry Thomas Way, NE), including a Planned Unit Development and Zoning Map amendment from industrial to mixed-use to allow residential and commercial, including light industrial, uses.
A real estate developer in securing all land use and zoning entitlements for the 500–530 Morse Street NE Planned Unit Development in the Union Market district, including a Zoning Map amendment from industrial to mixed-use to permit residential and commercial, including light industrial, uses.
A developer in multiple land use and zoning entitlement matters in the Union Market District, including Second Stage Planned Unit Development projects at 1270–1300 4th Street NE and 1309 5th Street NE. Representation included rezoning from industrial to mixed-use, overarching district strategy, and public space permitting and reviews before the D.C. Public Space Committee.
Various clients in litigation related to land use, zoning, and historic preservation matters.
Various clients in transactional matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, public-private partnerships, and the purchase and sale of density credits.
A foreign government in the renovation of an embassy and expansion of a consulate at 3401 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, including reviews by the U.S. Department of State Office of Foreign Missions and the Foreign Mission Board of Zoning Adjustment, as well as public space permitting.
A local developer in the purchase, master planning, and redevelopment of a ~10-acre site at 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, NW in Ward 3, including the Large Tract Review process, Historic Preservation Review Board process, and D.C. Public Space Committee review.
Purchasers and development partners in due diligence for potential site acquisitions and joint ventures, including highest and best use analysis, redevelopment options, and zoning and land use compliance review.
Related InsightsSee all
Recognition
Chambers USA Guide
June 5, 2025
Accolades
- District of Columbia Building Industry Association: Special Recognition for Leadership on the DC Comprehensive Plan
- Chambers USA, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, District of Columbia, 2020-2025 (Band 2)
- Best Lawyers in America®: Real Estate (2023-2026), Land Use & Zoning (2026)
- Bisnow’s top “35 under 35” in Washington, D.C. Real Estate, 2007
- Washington Business Journal "Top Guns" Young Lawyer Award, 2007
Affiliations
- Board of Directors, The DC Golden Triangle Business Improvement District
- Executive Committee, DC Building Industry Association (DCBIA)
- Jubilee Support Alliance (JSA), Past-President
- The Real Estate Group of DC
- DC Bar Association
- Virginia Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Admissions
- Virginia
- District of Columbia
Education
University of Pennsylvania Law School ( J.D. , 2003 )
University of North Carolina ( B.A. , 1996 )