A leaky basement, cracks in the foundation, a broken underground gas line, water ponding in a yard, and an unbuildable addition. What do all of these have in common? The answer is poor site planning. 

As remodelers, we often spend a lot of time insuring that the project is aesthetically pleasing, that it is buildable, and that we make a profit at the end of the job.  We might be well advised to spend a little more time, during the planning stages, studying how our proposed project is affected by the sight that it will set on. There are several areas that we should give attention to as we do site planning. They are Legal, Physical, Vegetation, and Utilities. Let’s consider these one at a time.

Legal

Every building built must reside within the legally established confines owned by the deed holder. Most municipalities have set into motion zoning laws that regulate, not only the size of the construction, but also the location and position of the construction. There may also be limits upon the percentage of lot coverage. These zoning laws will differ from area to area.

They sometimes even change with time. What may have been allowable just a few years ago may not be permissible today. In such cases a zoning variance may be required prior to obtaining a building permit. As a site is scrutinized by the remodeler setbacks and easements must be given consideration. Lot boundaries must be determined with a great deal of accuracy. If the property boundaries are in question a survey may be required to insure that the new construction is in the proper location.

Physical

There are many physical factors to take into consideration when a new area is to be built. Most of the factors center around the displacement of water on the site. For example, in some areas Flood Protection Elevations are determined based upon 100-year floods. A building placed within these floodplain areas must be 12” above this 100-year flood elevation. Most of the construction that we do disturbs that previously natural flow of water. The topography or differences in surface elevation must be determined prior to the start of design. A determination of how water from the roof and driveways will be disposed of must be made. Is it legal for the water to flow offsite or must it be retained within the property boundaries? If there is particular problem that must be dealt with a good civil engineer can be a lifesaver.