The iterative process of converting raw land into a functional, economic space is a breathtaking venture that requires more planning and labor than most can comprehend.
Before that foundation is ever poured, site planners must endure several trials and tribulations involving months of planning, permitting, land clearing, and budgeting.
To help site managers mitigate risks further in the development process, we’ve outlined ten essential steps of commercial land development and tips to handle them.
Budgeting and Feasibility Studies
All commercial land development projects must begin with a feasibility study to assess their potential return on investment. Think of it as the same market research any company conducts to assess its viability in a new field.
Some key aspects of a feasibility study include:
- A cost estimation for land acquisition, site preparation, infrastructure development, and construction.
- Market analysis to gauge demand, competition, and potential returns on investment.
- Feasibility assessment of zoning regulations, environmental constraints, and site-specific challenges.
Feasibility studies help shape budgets, timelines, and even potential pitfalls down the road that need to be planned based on early research.
Site Analysis and Planning
Next, a thorough site assessment must be conducted to determine the viability of the land itself.
While we could write an entire article on the process of site analysis, we’ve boiled it down to a few essential components:
- Evaluation of topography, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and environmental factors.
- Determination of site layout, building orientation, access points, and utility connections.
- Integration of design elements to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.
In most cases, an environmental impact study must also be conducted to assure neighboring communities that anything you build will not harm their health or the environment.
Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the complex landscape of permitting and regulatory compliance is crucial for securing approvals and ensuring legal compliance.
Some common permits that land developers must acquire for a commercial project include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Building permits
- Sewage/septic permits
- Driveway permits
- Wetland impact permits
- Floor permits
- Grading permits
- Utility permits
Developers must also carefully study zoning ordinances to see what structures, additions, and features are permissible under municipal law.
During this stage, we recommend engaging with regulatory agencies and relevant stakeholders to address any concerns and obtain approvals.
Land Clearing and Earthworks
Once site plans are approved and a budget is established, it’s time to prepare the land for development. Before foundation and framing, site developers must excavate and grade the land to achieve desired elevations and contours.
This step often involves land clearing, which removes trees, brush, and debris that could hinder building development and allows for the connection of nearby roadways.
Efficient land clearing and earthworks set the stage for subsequent construction activities and infrastructure development.
Stormwater and Erosion Control
One permit we did not discuss but is often required for commercial development is an NPDES permit. This permit allows construction sites to dump pollutants and stormwater runoff into surface water systems (e.g., rivers, ponds, and oceans) to prevent on-site flooding.
However, to maintain NPDES compliance, site managers must also draft an appropriate stormwater management plan (SWPPP) that provides erosion and sediment controls to reduce the spread of pollution and prevent erosion of nearby soils.
Some common best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater management and erosion control include commercial silt fence installation, hydroseeding, and dozens of other controls.
Based on the availability of materials and firsthand knowledge of these controls, it’s advisable to outsource this work to a commercial silt fence installer and environmental management company.
Land Infrastructure Development
An essential step of the pre-development process is land infrastructure development. This step lays the groundwork for starting to develop the necessary infrastructure onsite, including water supply lines, sewage pipes, and street access.
Furthermore, landscaping and other exterior features will be designed to comply with local regulations and budgetary restrictions during this stage.
Street Network Planning
One final but important step of the pre-development process is street network planning. This complex step prioritizes access to nearby roads and community amenities to enhance the value of a commercial building.
Even just mapping out sidewalks and traffic lights in conjunction with your local city will help ensure projects follow strict zoning regulations and are interconnected with their nearby community.
Moreover, this step provides the perfect opportunity to strategize various onsite controls that limit access to construction sites and ensure proper washouts of all construction-related materials, including concrete.
We recommend contacting a street sweeping company that can clean up excess debris in parking lots and roadways connected to construction sites to reduce any risk of pollution.
Quality Assurance and Control
Maintaining rigorous quality assurance and control measures throughout the development process is essential for delivering projects on time and within budget. Basic housekeeping procedures, such as record keeping, inspections, and audits, will ensure that risks are mitigated long-term and projects develop according to timelines.
Construction
The construction phase actualizes the physical development of the project, including building construction, infrastructure installation, and site improvements. Site managers will be responsible for coordinating subcontractors, mobilizing equipment, and ensuring that projects are built to scope.
Effective project management and coordination are essential for delivering construction projects on schedule and within budget.
Inspection and Close-Out
Upon completion of construction, thorough inspection and close-out procedures are necessary to verify compliance, address deficiencies, and transition the project to the operational phase.
Activities include:
- Conducting final inspections to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and contractual obligations.
- Resolving outstanding issues, completing punch lists, and obtaining necessary approvals and certifications.
- Handing over project documentation, keys, and warranties to the owner or operator and facilitating a smooth transition.
Unfortunately, commercial land projects are only as successful as the people who run them. Therefore, it is essential to find the right subcontractors to handle tasks such as land clearing, environmental consultation, and site inspection according to your schedule.
Valor Environmental is a full-service environmental management company that can handle essential tasks, such as stormwater management, land clearing, street sweeping, site stabilization, and more. Contact our team of experts to see how we can help see your commercial land development project to fruition.
FAQs
How long does the commercial land development process typically take?
The duration of the commercial land development process varies depending on factors such as project size, complexity, regulatory requirements, and external factors such as weather and market conditions. Generally, the process can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete.
What are some common challenges faced during the commercial land development process?
Common challenges include navigating complex regulatory requirements, securing financing, addressing environmental concerns, managing stakeholder expectations, and mitigating unforeseen risks such as construction delays or cost overruns.
Do developers need to engage multiple stakeholders during the land development process?
Yes, successful commercial land development projects typically involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, local government officials, engineers, architects, contractors, investors, community members, and end users. Effective communication and coordination among stakeholders are essential for project success.