CSS, Inc. Services: Conceptual Site Design
CSS, Inc. offers many services that are included within the category of “Civil Engineering”. The term “Civil Engineering” itself can be somewhat general, referring to many different subsets of Civil Engineering. Our services at CSS, Inc. fall under the umbrella of Site Civil Engineering.
What is Site Civil Engineering?
The answer to this is question can encompass many different services. Through the Blog Series “CSS, Inc. Services”, we aim to talk a little more in depth on the many services that CSS, Inc. offers, and how they benefit future clients throughout the course of the development process.
Typically, one of the first services that CSS, Inc. is asked to provide is Conceptual Site Design.
A development proposal is only as good as the property that has been chosen. Developers have a number of choices in this regard, but “planning” of the proposed development means little without taking into account site parameters like buffers, setbacks, environmental considerations and so forth. We encourage the developer to bring the Site Civil Engineer into the process as early as possible. During what we deem the Conceptual Site Design Phase, we encourage our clients to meet with CSS, Inc. to discuss their intended use, their overall time frames and their proposed location so we can assist them in their due diligence process. A small amount of time up-front will help the client be aware of any potential problems with a site that may affect the pro forma for the project.
“Whether driving around in a car or sitting at their desk looking at maps to assess potential sites, I encourage clients to call me. ‘Hey, I am looking at a site at X Road and Y Boulevard’ and in five minutes I can at least let them know preliminary items that may impact their development. This will save them from unanticipated surprises later on.”
– Scott Stannard, President
Once a site has been selected, CSS, Inc. then provides a Conceptual Site Plan based on the jurisdiction’s code requirements for the specific zoning, use, topography and location. It is during the Concept Plan phase that CSS, Inc. reviews the local land development codes as well as state permitting regulations. CSS, Inc. takes their regulations into consideration while preparing the Concept Plan so the client has a realistic “best fit” for their potential project. Taking these basic steps at the beginning of any project can have massive implications on the final product.
CSS, Inc.’s goal is to set the developer and the development up for success from the very beginning of the project. This is accomplished by working together with the developer, the architect and the various permitting agencies to ensure that a clear path is laid out from the first meeting to final as-built certifications, as well as identifying any potential obstacles before they arise.
Interested in working with CSS, Inc. on a future project? Let us know how we can be a part of the development team today at sstannard@css-eng.com
