Christopher N. Challis

Of Counsel


(386) 323-9271 (voice)
(386) 944-7942 (fax)
Christopher.Challis@CobbCole.com

Daytona Beach Office
150 Magnolia Ave
Post Office Box 2491
Daytona Beach,  FL  32115-2491
(386) 255-8171

Assistant: Laura Ramsey
 - Laura.Ramsey@CobbCole.com

VCard

Practice Areas
  • Land Development Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Administrative Law

    Admitted
  • 2004: Florida
  • 2000: North Carolina
  • 2000: United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina

    Education
  • 2000: J.D., Wake Forest University

    Dedicated Issue Editor, Wake Forest Law Review, 1999
  • 1997: B.S. Government and Public Administration, Lipscomb University

    Noteworthy Experience
    Representation of commercial, retail, mixed-use, and residential developers with zoning and land use issues, including planned unit development agreements, developments of regional impact, Community Redevelopment Areas, special assessment districts, comprehensive plan amendments, and annexations, including:
  • 600,000 sq.ft. research & development park Brownfield Site;
  • 200,000 square-foot retail center; Rehabilitation of regional mall;
  • 100-slip commercial marina;
  • 1,000-unit riverfront condominium project; 350-unit hotel with 40,000 sq.ft. retail, 170 marina slips; 195-unit condominium with 10,000 sq.ft. retail
  • Advised clients in acquisition and disposition of contaminated properties, Brownfield Site Rehabilitation Agreements, including due diligence and liability distribution issues;
  • Negotiation of consent order for multi-million dollar hazardous waste cleanup;
  • Negotiation and oversight of multi-million dollar environmental escrow, fixed-fee remediation contract, and pollution legal liability insurance policy for $100m stock purchase of manufacturer;
  • Defense of wetland enforcement actions, and U.S. EPA criminal and civil investigation; and
  • Representation of commercial and residential developers in wetlands and surface water permitting, Endangered Species Act incidental take permits.

    Awards
  • Member of the Year, Daytona Beach Young Professionals Group, 2008
  • Young Business Leader, Volusia/Flagler Business Report, 2008

    Publications and Lectures
  • Author, “Standing Alone in Murky Waters: Evaluating the Fourth Circuit’s Solitary Stance on Federal Wetlands Regulation,” 34 Wake Forest Law Review 1179
  • Author, "Brownfields Offer Opportunities for Economic Growth and Redevelopment," Volusia/Flagler Business Report, Nov. 24, 2008
  • Speaker, "Finding the Green in Brownfields," June 2009, educational forum sponsored by VCARD, Business Development Partnership, and Volusia League of Cities
  • Speaker, West Melbourne Workshop on Brownfields, August 2009

    Leadership
  • President, Daytona Beach Partnership Association
  • Co-Vice Chair for Government Relations, Board of Directors, Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Chairman, Local Government Committee, Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Executive Council Member, Volusia County Association for Responsible Development (VCARD)
  • Chair, Land Development Code Amendment Committee, VCARD
  • Board of Directors, Daytona Beach Young Professionals Group
  • Board Member, International Speedway Blvd. Coalition
    Graduate, Daytona Beach Leadership Class XXIX

    Affiliations
  • Florida Brownfield Association
  • Florida Redevelopment Association

    • Biography

    Mr. Challis focuses his practice on land use and environmental matters, with particular emphasis on redevelopment of urban areas. Blending a full-service land use practice including services involving comprehensive plans, rezonings, developments of regional impact, and community redevelopment areas, with expertise in environmental law involving solid and hazardous waste, and environmental remediation, Mr. Challis is well-qualified to serve clients seeking to purchase, sell, or redevelop properties. Mr. Challis is also experienced in handling real estate and environmental issues associated with mergers, acquisitions and finance, including allocation of environmental risks through private structures and government programs.

    Before joining the Firm in 2004, Mr. Challis practiced law in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. Challis is a native of Ormond Beach.