Start with a site review
For a new build, subdivision, infill project or redevelopment, start by asking what the property can support. Review the proposed use, zoning, access, grading, drainage and available servicing before committing to detailed drawings. Bring the property address, a survey if available, a description of the intended use and any municipal correspondence.
Coordinate planning and civil engineering early
Land use planning deals with how the proposed use fits municipal policies and zoning. Civil engineering deals with the physical design of the site, including grading, drainage, stormwater and servicing. On a Durham Region subdivision, for example, road access, lot layout and servicing can all affect one another. Reviewing those pieces together helps the team identify constraints before the layout is fixed.
Prepare the material needed for municipal review
The approval path depends on the municipality and the project. A proposal may involve site plan review, a zoning change, consent or subdivision approval. Once the applicable process is clear, the team can coordinate drawings, servicing concepts, grading plans and supporting studies. It can also respond to questions about items such as drainage routes, access or snow storage.
Carry the design through construction
Define the scope for detailed design and construction support early. When conditions on site differ from the drawings, field services can help document issues and coordinate questions about the design. For a larger residential proposal, see subdivision development.
For more on roles during review, see who coordinates municipal approvals.