Gary Benjamin is the founder and Principal of Alchemy Planning + Land Use, a premier Los Angeles-based land-use consulting firm, specializing in multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial development. Since founding the firm in 2017, he has advised on the development and acquisition of over 700 properties throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, and obtained over 80 complex discretionary entitlement approvals with a 100% approval rate, including entitlements for more than 40 mixed-use and multifamily projects, comprising nearly 2,400 housing units, in developments ranging in size from four units to 254 units.

Benjamin is recognized as an expert and forward-thinking innovator in the land use field, advising development teams in the earliest planning stages on how to utilize the nuances of the zoning code, recent land use legislation, and the discretionary approval process to maximize project value and achieve the highest and best use for a site. He is also a renowned problem-solver with strong relationships within city government, frequently brought in to rescue projects that have run into significant permitting and entitlement challenges and guide them to success.  

Benjamin holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA and previously worked within the Los Angeles City Planning Department and as the land use and planning advisor to the former City Councilmember for Los Angeles City Council District 13, overseeing and guiding development in Hollywood, Silver Lake, and surrounding communities. He is passionate about finding solutions to bureaucratic challenges and contributing to the growth and development of the LA region.​

Alchemy is a premier, boutique land use and development consulting firm specializing in entitlement approvals and zoning analysis for mixed-use and multifamily residential projects in Los Angeles.

Prior project approvals include:

  • 254-unit mixed-use residential and retail project in West Adams, involving Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Affordable Housing Incentives and Site Plan Review (SPR).
  • 100-unit mixed-use co-living project in Hyde Park, requiring Design Review Board, TOC, and Specific Plan compliance approvals.
  • 146-unit TOC-SPR mixed-use project in the Hollywood Boulevard National Register Historic District, requiring historic compatibility review.
  • 64-unit 100% affordable housing development in Watts, utilizing State Assembly Bill 2162 project streamlining provisions.
  • 30,000 square-foot creative office development in Hollywood, requiring City Planning Commission and City Council General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Building Line Removal approvals.
  • Live music venue and bar in San Pedro, involving Conditional Use Permit, City Council Public Convenience and Necessity, ABC licensing, and Police Commission entertainment permit approvals.

Professional BIO

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

RESIDENTIAL, MIXED USE & COMMERCIAL

  • Axiom Real Estate Investments
  • Bolour Associates
  • CIM Group
  • DIICO Properties
  • ELK Development
  • Indra & Co.
  • Jamison Properties
  • LINC Housing Corporation
  • Markwood
  • Responsive Homes
  • ROM Investments
  • Sharp Capital
  • SuperLA
  • The HQ Group
  • Toledo Capital Development
  • Treehouse
  • Tripalink
  • Yorkwood LLC 


ARCHITECTS

  • AFCO Development
  • AO Architects
  • Kevin Tsai Architecture
  • OFFICEUNTITLED


HOSPITALITY & RETAIL

  • Angeleno Wine Co.
  • Benny Boy Brewing
  • Bub and Grandma's
  • Café Triste
  • Elf Café
  • Hard Rock Café
  • Jay's Bar
  • L&E Oyster Bar
  • The Sardine
  • Triple Beam Pizza
  • Vinovore

who we are

PARTIAL CLIENT LIST

PLANNING + LAND USE