Land development is a complex and involved process. It requires collaboration among multiple professionals to properly create the land design that is desired. Each expert provides industry-specific input to contribute to the process. This includes civil engineers. Here’s what the land development process looks like.
Why it’s important
Whether you’re planning a residential neighborhood, community park or commercial setting, land planning must be part of the project. Civil engineers help make sure the landscape and architecture will be appropriate for the desired results. Without proper land development, there would be a heightened risk of issues with flooding, erosion and foundation settlement. Everything must be carefully planned from the start to create a successful development.
What it involves
Land development involves altering the landscape. Civil engineers and other professionals look at a piece of land and determine what must be altered to meet the needs of a residential, commercial or industrial development. Engineers consider local regulations and national standards as they plan this land development. These professionals obtain all permits and approvals necessary before actual physical land development begins.
How it works
Land development looks different depending on the details of each specific project, but it generally follows a typical process. The main stages of land development include site assessment, site design, planning, development approval and construction. Each of these stages involves multiple sub-steps. During each stage of the process, civil engineers and other project management professionals perform a variety of tasks. A civil engineer’s contributions may include:
- Site planning
- Site design
- Site layout
- Site feasibility studies
- Streetscape design
- Stormwater management and design
- Recreational site design
- Parking design
- Erosion control
- Floodplain analysis
- Utility design
- Grading and earthwork design
Once all the planning stages have been completed, a civil engineer’s work is still not done. This expert monitors progress to ensure all designs are adhered to and that they meet industry standards and government regulations. A civil engineer may perform inspections and continue to consult on the project until it is fully completed.
Who is qualified for land development?
Not everyone has the knowledge and skills for land development. Each civil engineer must be properly trained in the various complexities of land development. From surveying the land to making appropriate recommendations for development, these professionals offer expertise that others don’t have. To ensure the success of your project, look for a civil engineer that has a proven track record in the industry. Partner with a company that has proven experience as well as knowledge of the type of project you are planning to complete.
Your land development partner
Mason & Associates is Idaho’s premier civil engineering and surveying company. We are your go-to experts for land development. Our company has experience in all aspects of surveying, including topographic and boundary measurements, construction staking projects, subdivision platting and land development. We perform all stages of the work, starting with the initial survey, then we’ll perform the construction staking and do the final record drawings for projects. Our experts will help you enjoy success with your land development. Reach us today at 208-454-0256.