SITE DESIGN & ENGINEERING: A Site Development, Construction Plans Preparation, and Permitting Guide

Municipalities in the US follow the rules and regulations established by their state law and the Federal government. They also develop other rules and regulations, including engineering and design standards, that could be different or sometimes more stringent than those of other agencies.Although many rules and regulations have similarities, there are no uniform standards among the agencies mentioned above. Each organization has rules and regulations that must be adhered to for permit-related activities.The author's primary purpose is to provide residential and commercial site development guidance to property owners, developers, architects, engineers, students, and contractors to develop a sound set of approvable and construction plans. It also intends to explain the permitting process, how to fast-track permit approval, and develop sound engineering projects. This book attempts to answer hundreds of questions developers and private engineering consultants have asked about their site design and engineering during interactions between the author and the public in his four decades of engineering and consulting experiences.This book’s information may help readers understand various agencies’ rules and requirements, communicate more effectively with all parties involved, and negotiate to their advantage. Experienced engineers, design practitioners, and developers may also use this book as a refresher and keep track of their progress by following some procedures outlined here.The first chapter evaluates a suitable site for the type of development a potential property owner may seek. It explains how to select a property with the least number of problems and risks and what issues to avoid ensuring profitability.The second and third chapters focus on gathering the survey and geotechnical information for the site. What data and information to seek when ordering a survey and a geotechnical report.Chapter four provides some design information and processes following the first three chapters. There are many ways to design a specific project, but few ways to optimize a design. This chapter provides a basic understanding of design elements and processes to achieve the most efficient method.Chapter five reviews different activities and their definitions and requirements for construction and other activities within the legal right-of-way. Understand how to approach the AHJ and obtain the necessary permits for encroaching right-of-way for construction and non-construction activities.Chapter six provides information regarding single-family residential and accessory dwelling units (mother-in-law suite or apartment) and how to prepare construction plans to start the permitting process.Chapter seven discusses the design and construction plans prepared for a small sixteen-lot residential subdivision. This project starts with vacant land on the survey map to the final completed construction plans of the entire project.Chapter eight is like chapter seven but looks at a nineteen-lot residential subdivision with larger lots. Their different challenges are reviewed and discussed in this chapter.Chapter nine presents the commercial project site improvements for a three-story chain hotel and a potential dine-in restaurant. Even though there are similarities between this project’s stormwater management system with the previous projects, settled differences are essential to pay attention to in commercial sites—differences in the parking lot design and other facilities such as commercial swimming pools and spas.Chapter ten reviews and discusses the permitting agencies’ processes and requirements and provides some ideas about the needs and procedures to help the permittees have realistic expectations. Read more