Land planning is the first step of every construction project. Without it, it is unlikely that plans will fit well with the natural elements of your site. Sometimes, this is performed early in the design stage to create an adaptive project, and other times, it is used to see if any adjustments are necessary for the new structures. No matter when you employ it, land planning in Idaho is necessary every time you build.
What is land planning?
Designers involve land planners after they acquire land. While conceptual drawings of a development can give a good indication of what the product will look like, they will not offer any indications of how the building will fit with the land’s topography and zoning category. That is why the land planner reviews the site and makes adjustments on the location of buildings, sidewalks, driveways and green spaces. Layouts are also designed around utility lines and any existing easements.
Land planners also include specialists. An engineering land planner works with the placement of buildings rather than their design. The goal is to position them so any drainage, grading and utility issues are resolved. An architectural land planner designs the buildings to the land’s particular attributes to create structures appropriate to the site.
There are no licensing requirements for land planners, but they are normally surveyors, architects or civil engineers. It is frequently a service that is included with the engineering contract.
How it works
The land planner will first get details on the project and site. Project details are given through descriptive paperwork or conceptual drawings, depending on how far the planning has progressed already. Another consideration is zoning requirements and permit details, as that will also affect layout of the buildings and of the project.
There are often adjustments depending on the type of permit or land character. For example, a permit may allow eight condominium units per acre, but the plans indicate 10. In this case, the concept needs to change so there are only eight per acre, or the developer can face fines. There is also the consideration of whether the land is appropriate for the use; a site may have the utilities for four townhouses, but may not be able to accommodate eight without substantial costs. If the original plans request eight or more, there may need to be a change there, too.
Once all of this is assessed, the land planner submits final plans to the city planner for approval. In the written decision, the city planner will indicate whether further changes are necessary.
Who to hire?
Land planning is often included with other services like design, engineering or architecture. It is rare for a firm to not include this service. When they do not, they will normally associate with another firm for land planning, so you will not noticed that service is missing.
If you seek the full service package for civil engineering and land planning in Idaho, contact Mason & Stanfield, Inc. Call us today to start planning your new project.