Land Development:
What is land development? By definition, land development is the process of altering a landscape, changing the land for a purpose to shape a community in such ways as providing residential housing, commercial/retail development, industrial/manufacturing building or recreational/fields/parks. As well, redeveloping by changing a land or building’s purpose, for example by converting an unused warehouse complex into loft condominiums. Land development really shapes the world we live in.
To me, land development is a detail-oriented process that requires meticulous planning, patience and persistence. Land development requires the collaboration of multidisciplinary fields to plan and design a piece of land to meet development goals while also working within municipal regulations (zoning) and existing land conditions. The land development process involves adherence to rules and regulations and requires the acquisition of government (local/state/federal) approvals before any physical development can begin. Let BDS help you navigate this process, tailoring our services to meet your project needs.
Services Offered
code research/Site Planning
Understanding and applying the zoning code to the site will determine how a building will be situated on a parcel or outlot. Determining what a municipality will allow or not allow is a critical first step to designing your vision. BDS can help quickly identify the zoning district, the bulk area regulations, setbacks, parking requirements as well as other relevant zoning regulations necessary to develop and create a site plan. BDS can also conduct code research to determine the regulations, including, but not limited to, allowable signage, design criteria, exterior lighting requirements. BDS can tailor the research to your project scope. Whether its new construction, renovations or re-branding, let us help you understand the requirements in our quick zoning snap-shot.
Project Management
Under an acre or 70 acres, in addition to our development assessments, BDS can help assemble and oversee the project team.
BDS acts as the “quarterback” running point to make sure the project is managed on time and stays on budget. This allows our clients to focus on aspects like recruiting/hiring/training staff or securing tenants for their larger developments.
Let us take the headache out of the municipal process and paperwork.
residential Development Assessments
Depending on the community, a simple renovation can lead to months of municipal approvals. BDS assessment services allow the homeowners to take the guess work out of their projects and determine what exactly they can expect and how long it will take to realize their project.
Commercial Development Assessments
Whether you are adding a second location or rolling out a national expansion program, entering a new market can be daunting. BDS offers a comprehensive development assessment which outlines a city/town’s process from start to finish to help you make a sound business decision. Our comprehensive municipal research can help identify requirements such as number of parking stalls, the number of signs allowed or lengthy approvals and permit timelines. Having this information early on in the project can save time and money.
PERMIT EXPEDITING & STRATEGY
Navigating the municipal process is my expertise. BDS offers a competitive advantage that can help our clients save money and time by developing a comprehensive strategy for each project. This detailed approach assesses the municipal entitlement and permitting processes while being cognizant of a client’s milestone dates. Our holistic approach is essential to any company looking to grow.
engineering consulting
Having a second set of eyes or seeking a second opinion can be invaluable in development and construction. BDS peer review assessment services allow our clients an opportunity to value engineer proposed plans resulting in cost savings information to help you make sound business decisions.
UTILITY COORDINATION
Will you need an easement for permanent service? Does this city have impact fees? High development fees and unexpected legal documents can greatly impact the project proforma and schedule. Our comprehensive assessment will identify fee (risks) early on in the project, but I have found continuing the research and relationship with the local utility providers helps maintain the project schedule and be able to finalize any fees due.
Project Close Out/Certificate of oCcupancy
BDS works closely with General Contractor’s throughout the construction phase of the project. The relationship provides a consistent project liaison and reliable resource for dealing with municipal building department as the project concludes. Whether that is gathering final fee information, as-builts from a surveyor or engineer or assisting with the Certificate of Occupancy paperwork, BDS is here to help the contractor’s close out the project.
Custom development Assessments
BDS can tailor our development assessment reports to meet our client’s project needs. Whether you need a specific report detailing sign criteria for rebranding a retail or commercial user, a project summary outlining health department criteria or outlining liquor licensing requirements on a state or local level, BDS can quickly develop a report that best suits your project needs.
EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
BDS offers expert witness testimony on zoning and land use related matters.
