Our People
Thomas F. Steinke
Firm Member
Thomas F. Steinke is a shareholder of the firm practicing real property, land use, environmental, administrative and governmental law.
Education Background
Mr. Steinke attended the University of Wisconsin where he received a Bachelor’s of Applied Science and Engineering in 1968 and an M.S. in 1970. He received his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1975.
Employment Background
Mr. Steinke joined Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek after nearly 13 years in the Planning and Property Division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. He was the advisor to the City Council Transportation and Land Use Committee, Planning Department, Environmental Quality Division and Building Department. Mr. Steinke also represented the City Purchasing Department, which dealt with contracts and contract disputes. While working in the City Attorney’s office, Mr. Steinke was instrumental in drafting and negotiating the terms of the City of San Diego’s Local Coastal Program for the Coastal Commission, the Resources Protection Ordinance, the No-Growth Initiative and approximately twenty development agreements.
Representative Matters
- Prepares and processes agreements regarding property development and project financing including development agreements and various related agreements with redevelopment agencies
- Represents developers, landowners, contractors, subcontractors and users in connection with development and construction activities of all types
- Advises in the preparation of environmental impact reports, the development of strategies for compliance with federal, state and regional environmental legislation such as habitat conservation plans; also advises on the preparation of specific plans and related environmental documents and findings
- Processes development entitlements including general plan amendments, master plans, specific plans, subdivision maps, zone changes, conditional use permits, variances and coastal permits
Professional Affiliations & Admissions
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of California (Business Law, Environmental Law, Real Property Law Sections)
- San Diego County Bar Association
- Lawyer’s Club of San Diego
- Registered civil engineer in the State of California
- Commissioner of the City of San Diego’s Housing Commission
