Summary: Land purchasers and developers can avoid practically all site difficulties by consulting specialists and conducting thorough site investigations. This will boost future project success. Read for more.
No site is without its inherent dangers, which range from neighborhood development regulations to subterranean issues.
The feasibility of a project is eventually determined by evaluating those risk areas.
Managing site challenges is a necessary step in the commercial development process despite being complicated and time-consuming. If you can handle them successfully, you provide the groundwork for a project’s success. Let’s examine a few methods for doing it.
Speak With the Zoning and Planning Staff
Understanding the permitting procedures for drainage, access, utilities, signage, and other things is crucial when evaluating commercial properties. The potential buyer or developer can more effectively address site-specific issues if they are more aware of the regional requirements and limits.
Review the designs with the building inspector and zoning officials to see if there are any concerns or problems and to make sure that regulations will be followed.
Questions to consider asking could be:
- Will on-site detention be necessary for the development? What are the municipality’s standards for erosion control?
- Will the suggested entry points be approved, and are there any other regulatory bodies that must give their consent?
- Are there any issues with the site plan, such as setbacks, the number of parking places, the loading zone, the signage area, or the drainage needs?
Consult With Regional Civil Engineers and Architects
Speaking with local architects and civil engineers will help you grasp the specific site components while speaking with planning and zoning officials will assist you in understanding the regulations you need to meet.
You can better grasp region-specific features like soil compositions, water tables, sewer, and utility availability by asking architects and engineers as many questions as you can. Additionally, speaking with utility providers to learn more about availability, locations, etc.
Utilizing the architects’ and engineers’ specialized knowledge can help ensure that no issues are missed and that the site investigation process is successfully managed.
Carry Out Careful Due Diligence
Speaking with local authorities and consultants goes hand in hand with the process of meticulously carrying out appropriate due diligence. This should make the qualitative and quantitative measurements of the site features more apparent, enabling you to understand the situation’s particulars.
Title policy, topographical map, geotechnical and soils report, phase 1 environmental report, zoning verification, utility verification, and charge schedules, development impact fees, and adherence to local rules are all components of a thorough due diligence checklist.
The specific environmental or regulatory issues that may be present or that could arise are made clear by this approach. Surprises like contaminated soil and undetected utility wires can be expensive to fix if found after the building has started.
Land buyers and developers can manage any inevitable site challenges by consulting local experts and conducting a thorough site inspection procedure. By doing this, the project will gain momentum and continue to succeed.
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