The most significant mistakes generally occur at the beginning of a project
Due diligence is the process of carefully examining and verifying information before making a decision or entering into an agreement, especially in business or legal contexts. It helps assess potential risks and ensures informed decision-making.
The rather long list below is what we use at Chalk Mountain LLC when assessing a project, either in support of a proposal in the making, or simply to assist a client in making a decision regarding a potential project they are looking at.
GENERAL
• Property Description and Ownership
• Tax Map and Parcel Size
• Master Plan Compliance
• Future Road Alignments & Right-of-Way Dedications
• Review of Phase I Environmental Study, if available
• Walk the Site & Pictures
MAPS & PLANS
• Property Boundary Survey
• Tax Map
• Zoning Map
• Master Plans
• Street Map and Community Amenities
• Topographic Survey or GIS
• Aerial Photo
• Soils
• Water and Sewer Maps
• Wetland Inventory Maps
• Flood Plain Maps
• Road Network Plan
ZONING & LAND USES
• Zoning Designation
• Permitted and Conditional Uses
• Zoning Restrictions, Bulk Requirements, and Constraints
• Density Bonus
• Yield Analysis, Open Space and Buffer Requirements
REGULATORY
• Current Rezoning Applications
• Development Impact on Services & Existing Infrastructure
• Dedications, Easements and Encroachments
• Road Access, Offsite Road Improvements & Onsite Road Circulation
• Land Development Regulations
• Stormwater Management Facility Requirements
• Best Management Practices
• Entitlement, Approval and Permitting Process
NEIGHBORING PROPERTY
• Existing and Proposed Uses
• Positive and Negative Surrounding Property Analysis
• Neighborhood Reaction to Development Plans
• Political Assessment
SITE CHARACTERISTICS
• Flood Plains
• Environmental Constraints
• Wetlands, Ponds and Jurisdictional Streams
• SWIM Buffers, Natural Buffers
• Property Soil Types and Characteristics impacting development potential
• Water Table
• Topography and Slope Analysis
• Drainage Patterns, Conveyance and Site Characteristics
• Water Line and Fire Hydrant Location, Water Pressure, and Availability
• Sewer Line Location and Invert Elevations, Line and Plant Capacity
• Other Utility Availability i.e. gas, electric, telephone, fiber optics
• Frontage Road Classification, Condition and Sight Distance
• Property Configuration Impacting Development
• Connection to Adjacent Properties (Connectivity)
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Issues
• Watershed Protection Areas Requirements
• Existing Vegetation and Specimen Trees
• Existing Site Buildings, Condition and Demolition Requirements
GOVERNMENT STAFF COMMENTS
• Planning & Zoning Department
• Engineering Department
• Public Works
• Water and Sewer Departments
• Building Department
• Police Department
• Fire Department