Building Site
Worksheet

SPECIFIC SITE CONSIDERATIONS:

LEGAL

• Legal description of property - Warranty deed including any access or utility easements.

• Covenants - Documents governing development of site. Very important in terms of building size, construction and finish as well as site access and use.

• Site Survey - to scale, with property boundaries, lengths and orientations.

• Access - Legal and physical - written proof if required.

• Mailing Address - if established.

• Directions or location map to property - Helpful to building officials, subcontractors, suppliers, etc.

ZONING

Check with local state/county/city planning departments for:

• allowable use(s)

• minimum/maximum lot/parcel size

• height limitation and how determined

• setback requirements for:
  - Front yard
  - Side yard(s) (yard to yard) (yard to street)
  - Rear yard
  - Corner lot (to street)
  - Decks, fences, etc.
  - Accessory buildings
  - Other and/or special requirements

• Codes
  Check with local/state/county/city building departments for adopted building codes, ordinances, resolution, etc., to which all development and construction must comply.

WATER

• Public/domestic association, district, utility
  Is water tap available
  Distance to connection point
  Cost for tap, cost for connection line

• Well, spring - must apply for permit from State Division of Water Resources
  Check with local geologist, well drilling firms or state/city/county offices for:
  - Well location(s)
  - Drilling costs
  - Casing, pump and distribution line costs
  - Purity and treatment

• Cistern (storage tank)
  Not allowable in many areas
  Must find reliable supplier/source
  Not a very self-sufficient supply of a necessary element for survival
  Options/Additions
  - gray water, reuse system
  - closed systems (i.e. pure cycle)
  - traditional (rain barrel)
  - desalinization

SOIL

• Type, strength and composition, drainage and underground water table
  Recommend use of professional consultant for full soil report

• Characteristics for planting
  Could be included in soil report
  SANITATION
  - Sewer association, district, utility
  Is tap available
  Sewer main location and depth
  Access to building site - steep down/up slope, lift station, etc.
  Cost for tap, cost for connection line
  - Septic systems
  Sanitation facility permit/application required
  Perc test (recommend at time of soil test)
  System design by professional consultant or with assistance by state/county/city offices
  - Organic systems (other than septic)
  Out house (usually not acceptable)