This practical course focuses on the process of transforming raw land into buildable sites, covering the technical, regulatory, and design considerations essential for successful development. It moves from initial site analysis and feasibility studies through to detailed grading, utility layout, and final regulatory approval. Participants will gain proficiency in reading and producing technical site drawings, managing complex permitting processes, and integrating environmental and engineering constraints into a viable site plan. The course is critical for anyone involved in the detailed design and implementation phase of land development.
Site Planning and Development
Urban Planning and Development
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide participants with the technical knowledge and practical process required to plan and develop a successful site. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Conduct a thorough site analysis including environmental, regulatory, and physical constraints.
- Translate development goals into a feasible site plan and layout.
- Apply basic principles of grading, drainage, and stormwater management (LID).
- Design efficient utility networks (water, sewer, electric) and access systems.
- Navigate the local, state, and federal regulatory review and permitting process.
- Develop a comprehensive site development plan that integrates engineering and design.
- Conduct a preliminary financial feasibility and cost estimate for site work.
Target Audience
- Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors
- Architects and Landscape Architects
- Real Estate Developers and Project Managers
- Zoning and Permitting Officials
- Environmental Consultants involved in site remediation
- Construction Managers and Superintendents
- Students in Civil Engineering or Land Development
Methodology
- Case Studies of site development projects emphasizing constraint resolution
- Hands-on Exercises in interpreting site surveys and contour maps
- Group Activities: Developing a conceptual site plan and identifying major engineering challenges
- Individual Exercises: Conducting simplified cut/fill calculations and drainage design
- Software demonstrations of CAD and civil engineering software for site layout
- Expert discussions on navigating the multi-jurisdictional permitting process
Personal Impact
- Gain technical proficiency in site analysis, grading, and utility design principles
- Improve ability to integrate engineering constraints with aesthetic design goals
- Enhance skills in navigating the complex and multi-disciplinary development process
- Develop a better understanding of regulatory compliance and permitting requirements
- Strengthen capacity for efficient project management from feasibility to construction
- Minimize development risk through thorough upfront due diligence and planning
Organizational Impact
- Accelerate the time-to-market for development projects by streamlining site planning
- Reduce construction costs by optimizing grading and utility layouts
- Minimize regulatory delays and risk through thorough, compliant site plans
- Ensure new development integrates sustainable design and effective stormwater management
- Improve the organization's capacity for complex, large-scale land development
- Create more functional, safe, and desirable finished development products
Course Outline
Unit 1: Site Analysis and Feasibility
Initial Site Investigation- The importance of site context: neighborhood, market, and regulatory framework
- Physical site analysis: topography, geology, soil, and vegetation assessment
- Environmental constraints: wetlands, floodplains, and critical habitat identification
- Regulatory review: zoning, setbacks, density calculations, and subdivision requirements
- Developing a program for the site (e.g., unit mix, square footage, parking ratio)
- Performing a preliminary financial feasibility analysis (e.g., highest and best use)
- The process of geotechnical investigation and site engineering studies
- Identifying and managing site hazards (e.g., brownfields, unexploded ordnance)
Unit 2: Conceptual Site Planning and Layout
Design Principles- Translating program and constraints into conceptual site layouts
- Principles of vehicular circulation, access management, and parking design
- Designing for pedestrian connectivity, safety, and human-scaled environments
- Optimizing building orientation for solar access and passive design strategies
- Understanding the components of a comprehensive site plan (e.g., boundary survey, layout, utility plans)
- Techniques for organizing uses, open space, and building placement
- Calculating site development metrics (e.g., floor area ratio, impervious cover)
- Integrating urban design principles into the site plan (e.g., street interface)
Unit 3: Site Engineering and Grading
Grading and Earthwork- Principles of reading and interpreting topographic maps and contour lines
- Design for site grading: cut and fill calculations, slope stability, and ADA compliance
- Techniques for balancing earthwork to minimize import and export costs
- Designing retaining walls, berms, and other earth modification structures
- Hydrology and hydraulics basics relevant to site development
- Designing an effective site drainage network (swales, pipes, catch basins)
- Implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) features (e.g., bioretention, permeable pavement)
- Regulatory requirements for stormwater detention, quality, and discharge
Unit 4: Utility and Infrastructure Design
Utility Networks- Planning and layout of water supply and distribution systems
- Designing sanitary sewer systems and gravity flow principles
- Coordination of electric, gas, telecommunications, and cable infrastructure
- Designing for utility easements, accessibility, and maintenance access
- Geometric design of internal site roads, fire access, and emergency lanes
- Driveway location and design standards for safe access to public roads
- Design of sidewalks, multi-use paths, and accessible routes (ADA)
- Planning for construction logistics and temporary site access
Unit 5: Permitting and Project Management
Regulatory Approval Process- Navigating the municipal planning commission, zoning board, and permitting departments
- The process of preliminary and final plat approval for subdivisions
- Managing environmental reviews (EIA/NEPA) and compliance documentation
- Securing necessary utility connection approvals and encroachment permits
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