Civil Engineering and Architecture

Site Selection

Site - An area of land generally one plot or construction lot in size. The term site is synonymous with plot and lot.

Site Plan - A map of a piece of land that may be used for any number of purposes. It shows the relationship between a structure and its physical surroundings. Also known as a plot or lot plan.

Site Visit:

• Take digital photos

• Performance of percolation test - for Wastewater Management

• Gather soil sample/s

• Walk property and make notes: 

• Survey Site

• Sketch bubble diagrams

Site Discovery:

• Who were past owners?

• For what purpose was the site previously used?

• Who are the current neighbors and how are the properties used?

• What is the size and shape of the site?

• Are there any existing structures, wells, etcetera?

• Are there any wetlands?

• What information can be found on a site plan?

• Are there any codes or covenants that will limit your development?
  Covenents - Binding agreements that list restrictions for the use of property by its owners.

• What is a suitable development for this particular site

 Regulations:  Rules or ordinances that must be followed in the design of a structure or property development.

• Are there restrictions on development or the type of buildings, structures, or construction for the site?
• Is there zoning for the property? If so, how is the property zoned?
  Zoning - Clarifications for property development that govern the design and use of buildings, structures, and utilities within a municipality.
• Are there liens, hidden heirs, or covenants on the site?
• Is there an environmental study available for the site?
• Are there archeological issues that must be considered for the site?

Viability Analysis:  Evaluation process that takes into account the factors that will influence and determine the successful implementation of a proposed project.

Investigate:

• Surroundings
• Infrastructure - basic installations, such as roads, railways, or factories that determine the economic power of a country, city, or town.
• Traffic Flow Analysis - the route that people follow as they move from one area to another.
• Utilities - Any service provided by an offsite supplier.
• Local considerations/constraints—neighbors, zoning
• Lot Size and orientation

Site Orientation: The placement of a structure on a property with certain environmental and physical factors taken into consideration.

Solar Orientation: A way of indicating the exposure to the sun. Solar orientation provides for excellent exposure to the sun. Solar access refers to the availability of direct sunlight to a structure or construction site.

Sound Orientation: A way of indicating the exposure to sound. Sound orientation includes determining the sounds that the client will contend with and what other design components may be used to soften the sound impact, such as droning road noise.

View Orientation: A visualization of mountains, city lights, water, or even a developed site, such as a golf course; is optimized in the site orientation.

Wind Orientation: Involves determining prevailing winds, which should be taken into account in the placement of a home or business.