Site Plan Reviews For Subdivision Developments: A Case Study

The Challenge

Our client proposed a development project featuring three and four-unit townhomes on a property in Ontario. The initial site plan submission encountered several obstacles, including the presence of stormwater, a water line, a fire hydrant, and sewer lines on the property. These elements necessitated a revision of the original site plan.

Site Plan Review Process

The city requires a thorough review of site plans before moving forward with construction documents.

This process typically involves:

• Pre-application Meetings: Also known as roundtable meetings, these sessions are crucial for site due diligence and planning. They provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss potential issues and revisions needed to meet municipal standards before taking the project in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Technical Revisions: Addressing the city’s feedback often involves revising the site plan to account for existing utilities and other site-specific conditions.

Our Approach for Review and Approval

Upon receiving the city’s response, our land development engineering team scheduled a roundtable meeting to discuss the revised site plan. Our team revised the plan to incorporate solutions for managing stormwater, relocating the water line, and adjusting the positions of the fire hydrant and sewer lines.

Key Considerations

• Storm Water Management: Ensuring proper drainage and mitigation measures to prevent flooding.
• Utility Coordination: Adjusting plans to accommodate existing water lines and sewer systems without disrupting service.
• Safety Compliance: Strategically positioning fire hydrants for easy accessibility in emergencies.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Navigating site plan reviews involves understanding and addressing the unique concerns of various stakeholders. HECO Engineers’ comprehensive approach ensures that each party’s interests are considered, highlighting the importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced engineering team to guide land developers through this intricate process.

Our expertise not only streamlines communication between landowners, city authorities, and development engineers but also facilitates the creation of compliant, feasible designs that align with both regulatory requirements and project goals.

Landowner

The landowner views the site plan review as a critical step towards accomplishing their development goals. They are primarily concerned with ensuring that the project progresses smoothly and meets all requirements to avoid delays. The landowner’s main focus is on the potential return on investment and the timely completion of the project. They rely on the expertise of land development engineers to navigate the technical and regulatory challenges.

City Authorities

For the city, site plan reviews are essential to ensure that new developments align with community standards and safety regulations. The city aims to address potential infrastructure impacts, such as storm water management and utility coordination, to maintain public health and safety. Their perspective emphasizes adherence to zoning laws, environmental regulations, and ensuring that the development does not negatively impact existing city services and infrastructure.

Land Development Engineers

Land development engineers, like HECO Engineers, view site plan reviews as an integral part of the project lifecycle. Their focus is on creating feasible, compliant designs that meet the landowner’s vision while adhering to city regulations. Engineers must balance technical challenges, such as storm water management and utility adjustments, with practical considerations to create a viable development plan. They act as intermediaries, facilitating communication between the landowner and city authorities to ensure that all parties’ concerns are addressed.

HECO Engineering Proactive Solution

The proactive approach and attention to detail in revising the site plan demonstrate HECO Engineers’ commitment to excellence. By addressing the city’s concerns and preparing thoroughly for the upcoming roundtable meeting, we aim to secure approval and move forward with the construction documents.

For more information about our engineering services and how we can assist with your next project, contact us at [Insert Contact Information].