What are the best practices for determining land use in construction projects?

1 Assess the site conditions

The first step in determining land use is to conduct a thorough site assessment, which includes collecting and analyzing data on the physical, environmental, social, and economic characteristics of the land. This will help you identify the opportunities and constraints of the site, such as the topography, soil, climate, vegetation, wildlife, infrastructure, utilities, access, hazards, regulations, and market demand. A site assessment will also help you evaluate the compatibility and suitability of the land for different types of development, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational.

2 Define the project objectives

The next step in determining land use is to define the project objectives, which are the specific goals and outcomes that you want to achieve with the development. These objectives should be aligned with the vision and mission of the project owner, as well as the needs and expectations of the end-users and the community. Some examples of project objectives are to provide affordable housing, to create jobs, to enhance livability, to preserve natural resources, or to promote social equity. Defining the project objectives will help you narrow down the land use options and prioritize the most important ones.

3 Engage the stakeholders

The third step in determining land use is to engage the stakeholders, which are the people and groups who have an interest or influence in the project. These include the project owner, the design team, the contractors, the regulators, the financiers, the end-users, and the community. Engaging the stakeholders will help you gain their input, feedback, and support for the land use decisions, as well as identify and resolve any potential conflicts or issues. You can use various methods of stakeholder engagement, such as surveys, interviews, workshops, focus groups, or public hearings.

4 Apply the zoning codes

The fourth step in determining land use is to apply the zoning codes, which are the rules and regulations that govern the use and development of land in a specific area. Zoning codes are established by local authorities to ensure that the land use is compatible with the existing and planned character of the area, as well as to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Zoning codes typically specify the permitted and prohibited uses, the density and intensity of development, the height and setback of buildings, the parking and landscaping requirements, and the design standards.

5 Evaluate the alternatives

The fifth step in determining land use is to evaluate the alternatives, which are the different scenarios of how the land can be used and developed based on the previous steps. Evaluating the alternatives will help you compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as assess their feasibility, sustainability, and impact. You can use various criteria and tools to evaluate the alternatives, such as cost-benefit analysis, life cycle assessment, environmental impact assessment, or multicriteria decision analysis.

6 Select the best option

The final step in determining land use is to select the best option, which is the one that meets the project objectives, satisfies the stakeholder expectations, complies with the zoning codes, and optimizes the site potential. Selecting the best option will help you finalize the land use plan and prepare for the next stages of the project, such as design, permitting, and construction. However, selecting the best option does not mean that the land use decision is fixed and final, as it may need to be revised or adjusted based on changing conditions, new information, or unforeseen circumstances.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?