What is “Land Development Activities”?
Land development activities tend to refer to the process of transforming raw land into a usable and functional section of land which is then ready for property development, whether that be industrial, commercial or residential.
This process involves a variety of activities including site planning, design, engineering, construction, and project management. Land development projects can often range from the construction of a single-family home to large-scale commercial or industrial developments.
What happens during this process?
- The first step in land development activities is the due diligence process once the land has gone under contract. The purchaser/developer must perform due diligence to ensure that the site is suitable for the proposed use and the feasibility of the project. The process may involve a variety of assessments, such as environmental Phase I and II ESAs, remediation plans and/or operations, wetland delineations and stream determinations, and various soil testing, for instance level 3 soil surveys, infiltration tests or soil constituents sampling. This is where Mill Creek Environmental comes in, we are a team of experienced environmental consultants with in-depth knowledge of various environmental services that support land development. Mill Creek Environmental understands that time is of the essence with all due diligence work and that everyday matters. We have a 26-year history of delivering our work on time or sooner than our commitment date ensuring we don’t become the roadblock to any deal getting completed.
- Once the due diligence has been completed, the land development process can begin. This may include tasks such as site planning, architectural design, as well as engineering. These tasks may be performed by the development team or outsourced to specialized firm, such as Mill Creek Environmental. We offer many professional environmental services that may be required during the preplanning and construction process. Our team of experts can provide Notice of Intent, Notice of Termination, Storm Water Sampling and Reporting, Bi-weekly and Post Rainfall BMP Inspections, Erosion Control Plans, Septic Site Designs, and many other environmental services.
- Often the purchaser/developer must obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local, state, and federal authorities before beginning construction. This may involve submitting site plans, environmental reports, soil testing results and other documentation to regulatory agencies for review. Once the feasibility of the project has been established, developers must work with specialized professionals on specific design elements of the project.
- After the planning and design phases are complete and all necessary permits have been obtained, construction may begin. This typically involves site preparation, excavation, and construction of buildings and infrastructure. Throughout the construction process it will be the responsibility of the project manager to oversee the work to ensure that it is completed on time, within budget, and to environmental standards.
- Once construction is finally complete, the property is typically transferred to the end user or it may be sold to investors. Developers must engage in sales and marketing activities to promote the property and attract potential buyers or tenants. Developers may be responsible for ongoing maintenance, warranty, and management of the property after completion.
Overall, land development activities are complex and require a high degree of expertise and coordination to ensure a successful outcome. Mill Creek Environmental is experienced and qualified to assist in many of the necessary steps to ensure a smooth process for any developer or purchaser.
