Residential Land Development Practices : A Textbook on Developing Land Into Finished Lots, Third Edition

The development of raw land into buildable lots can be filled with opportunities as well as pitfalls. In Residential Land Development Practices, Fourth Edition, Johnson draws on over 40 years of experience as an engineer, consultant, and lecturer to prepare an easy-to-use guide to the basic concepts of land planning, subdivision design, and residential standards. This edition has been updated with 5 new chapters reflecting the social and economic changes in the last 10 years. The new material includes sustainable land development concepts; the municipal government’s changing landscape; the developer, consultant, regulator relationship; due diligence practices; and land development as part of the engineering curriculum. Added to the core topics of bidding, financing, marketing, project management, and field operations this new edition provides a comprehensive guide for land development beginners or seasoned professionals to better understand the complexities of the residential land development business. Disclaimer Introduction Contents Chapter 1: Land Planning Concepts Affordable Homes Land Planning for Marketability High-Density Developments Cluster Zoning Neotraditional Adult Retirement Housing Connectivity Partnerships in Planning Chapter 2: Residential Land Uses Rural Estate Low Density Small Lot, Single Family Townhouses High Density High Density, Multistory Active Adult Communities Traditional Neighborhood Developments Residential Mixed-Use Developments Large-Scale Projects Chapter 3: Land Development Basics Property Uses Market Study Community Overview Demographic Analysis Housing Factors Economic Analysis Community Analysis Neighborhood Overview Summary of Residential Market Analysis Market Comparison Site Analysis Site Analysis and the Purchase Agreement Site Inspection Special Considerations Regulatory Issues Excessive Regulations Approval Process Value Analysis Contract Provisions Appendix 3-1 Appendix 3-2 Appendix 3-3 Appendix 3-4 Appendix 3-5 Appendix 3-6 Appendix 3-7 Appendix 3-8 Appendix 3-9 Chapter 4: Due Diligence General Property Description and Ownership Legal Description Tax Map and Parcel Size Master Plan Compliance Future Road Alignments and Rights-of-Way Dedications Review of Phase 1 Environmental Study Site Pictures Maps and Plans Property Boundary Survey Tax Maps Zoning Maps Master Plans Street Maps and Community Amenities Topographic Survey or GIS Maps Aerial Photos Soils Maps Water and Sewer Maps Wetland Inventory Maps Floodplain Maps Road Network Plans Zoning and Land Uses Permitted and Conditional Uses Permitted Uses Conditional Uses Zoning Restrictions, Bulk Requirements, and Constraints Subdivision Bulk Requirements Density Bonus Yield Analysis, Open Space, and Buffer Requirements Regulations Rezoning Applications Development Impact on Services and Existing Infrastructure Dedications, Easements, and Encroachments Road Access, Off-Site Road Improvements, and On-Site Road Circulation Land Development Regulations Stormwater Management Facility Requirements Best Management Practices Regional, State, and Federal Regulations Community Hot Buttons Entitlement, Approval, and Permitting Processes Neighboring Property Existing and Proposed Uses Positive and Negative Surrounding Property Analysis Neighborhood Reaction to Development Plans Political Assessment Noise Problems Views from the Site, Including Unsightly Views Archeological or Historical Significance of the Site Boundary Problems (Gores, Gaps, and Overlaps), Easements, and Rights-Of-Way Adjacent Property Impacts Site Characteristics Environmental Constraints Property Soil Types, Characteristics, and Topography Utilities Government Staff Reviews and Comments Become an Active Member of the Community Development Potential Summary Chapter 5: Financing Financing Techniques Purchase Money Mortgage Options Installment Contracts Leasehold Arrangements and Lease Options Land Sale Lease Back Limited Partnership Syndications Joint Ventures Blanket Mortgage Other Financing Techniques Choosing a Lender Submitting the Loan Package Cover Letter Loan Summary Project Elements Company History Marketing Strategy Project Team Members Graph of Competitive Product Target Market Product Appraisal Sales and Marketing Pro Forma Corporate Reports Financial Documents Miscellaneous Appendix 5-1 Appendix 5-2 Chapter 6: Schedules Project Activity Schedule Master Schedules Land Development Schedules Housing Inventory Schedule Appendix 6-1 Appendix 6-2 Appendix 6-3 Appendix 6-4 Appendix 6-5 Chapter 7: Basics of Residential Marketing Location Competition Land Plan Lot Premiums Housing Selection Marketing Approach Subdivision Potential Chapter 8: Consultants Selection Process Design Team Members Surveyor Environmental Consultant Soils Engineer Land Planner Engineer Landscape Architect Architect Other Disciplines Professional Service Agreement Consultant Responsibility Appendix 8-1 Appendix 8-2 Appendix 8-3 Appendix 8-4 Appendix 8-5 Appendix 8-6 Appendix 8-7 Chapter 9: Sustainable Residential Communities What, How, When, and Where to Build Know the Past to Understand the Future What to Build How to Build When to Build Where to Build Social Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Economic Sustainability Did You Know? Smart Growth Network Livable Communities Sustainable Cities HUD, DOT, and EPA National League of Cities: Sustainable Cities Institute US Chamber of Commerce's Business Civic Leadership Center Smart Cities Dive HUD Center for Sustainable Organizations (CSO) Sustainable Community Development Institute (SCDI) Community Revitalization Alliance Sustainable Community Initiatives Smart Growth Rating Systems Additional Sustainability Resources Chapter 10: Conceptual Design Planning Base Map Conceptual Land Plan Roads and Access Points Topography Drainage Environment Soils Vegetation Utilities Housing Product Foundations Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions Description of Permitted Uses Type of Building Height Restrictions Setbacks Architectural Restrictions Conceptual Cost Estimate Appendix 10-1 Appendix 10-2 Appendix 10-3 Appendix 10-4 Appendix 10-5 Appendix 10-6 Appendix 10-7 Appendix 10-8 Chapter 11: Residential Subdivision Design Design and Construction Options Clearing Earthwork Sanitary Sewers Water Distribution Systems Drainage Facilities Roadways Quality Reviews Engineering Review Cost Estimate Appendix 11-1 Appendix 11-2 Chapter 12: Residential Land Development Standards Residential Streets Right-Of-Way Pavement Width Cul-De-Sacs Curbs and Sidewalks Vertical and Horizontal Curves Water and Sewer Lines Drainage Chapter 13: Project Approval Strategy Approval Strategy for Builder/Developers Experts Political Problems Community Relations Project Costs Planning Board Presentations Role Playing Planning Board Meeting Engineers and Public Hearings Rule 1: Know the Political Hot Buttons How Do You Find Out About the Issues? Should You Meet with Board Members? Should the Engineer Become Politically Involved? Rule 2: Public Participation Is a Key Component Rule 3: Know Your Costs Rule 4: Prepare for a Board Hearing Rule 5: Prepare Quality Graphics Rule 6: Use Appropriate Tools of the Trade Rule 7: Orchestrate the Performance Rule 8: Present a Project with Enthusiasm Rule 9: Answer Questions Briefly Rule 10: Pass the Torch Engineers at the Crossroads Chapter 14: Developers, Engineers, Regulators Timing and Schedule Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Quality Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Cooperation Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Knowledge Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Workforce Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Commitment Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Communication Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Meetings Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Documentation Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Government Relations Developer Engineer Regulator Land Development Engineer's Goals Summary Chapter 15: Stormwater Management and Best Management Practices Decentralized versus Regional SWM Facilities Stormwater Management Retention Facilities Detention Facilities Best Management Practices Bioretention Systems Roof Drywell Systems Extended Detention Facilities Manufactured Treatment Systems Sand Filters Vegetative Filters Permanent Water Surface Ponds Soil Testing Programs Visual Considerations Landscaping Fencing Maintenance Access Maintenance Programs Ownership Alternatives Government Homeowners Association Individual Property Owner Design Trends Chapter 16: Permits and More Permits Local Governments Planning Board Shade Tree Commission Environmental Commission Water and Sewer Departments Drainage Departments Traffic Departments Project Reviews Regional Agencies Regional Planning Boards Soil Conservation District Stormwater or River Basin Agencies Protection, Enhancement, and Proper Use Groups Quasi-Public Agencies State Agencies Federal Government Subdivision Approval Process Planning Board Guide for Citizen Participation Application Process Associated Agencies Procedures Types of Approvals Types of Meetings Description of a Hearing Presentations Questions and Answers Work Sessions Definitions Chapter 17: Municipal Government's Changing Landscape Architectural Guidelines and Price Points Residential Roads and Traffic Impact Studies Municipal Services and Cost Benefit Analysis Economic Development Stormwater Facilities Operation and Maintenance and MS4 Permits Water Distribution and Water Supply Wastewater Treatment Plant and Line Capacity Chapter 18: Land Development Bid Process Plans and Specifications Prebid Conference with Staff Bid Process Contractor Information Contractor Meeting Contractor's Schedule Bid Forms Bid Analysis Contractor Selection Process Land Development Contracts Unit-Price Contract Time-and-Material Contract Lump Sum Not to Exceed Construction Document Revisions Field Conditions Better Designs Budget versus Actual Cost Report Summary Unanticipated Site Problems or Conditions Unanticipated Permitting or Approval Requirements Accelerated Design or Construction Schedule Design Changes Quality of Materials Specification Changes Material Shortages Labor Shortages Union Labor Public Bidding Process Issues with the Design, Cost Estimate, Bid Documents, Contractor Quotes Know Your Costs Appendix 18-1 Appendix 18-2 Appendix 18-3 Appendix 18-4 Appendix 18-5 Appendix 18-6 Appendix 18-7 Chapter 19: Land Development Project Management Communication Schedule Field Office Invoices and Payment Schedule of Values Analysis Payment Invoice Summary Release of Lien Payment Progress Meetings Field Extras Change Orders Appendix 19-1 Appendix 19-2 Appendix 19-3 Appendix 19-4 Appendix 19-5 Appendix 19-6 Chapter 20: Land Development Field Operations Construction Surveying Clearing Operations Selective Clearing Earthwork Operations Houseline Land Development Erosion and Sedimentation Control Storm Drainage Utility Installations Electric, Phone, Gas, and Cable Water and Sewer Curb and Gutter Installations Pavement Land Development Punch Lists Appendix 20-1 Appendix 20-2 Appendix 20-3 Appendix 20-4 Chapter 21: The Land Development Business Stakeholders Government Business Community Citizens Environmental Community Legal Community Political Community Homeowner Associations Business Issues Profits Reputation and Corporate Image Effect on Society Design Professionals Land Development Industry Changes Chapter 22: Land Development Engineering Course Requirements Fundamentals Advanced Site Analysis Studio Storm Drainage Design Index About the Author The challenge of improving the daily lives of people in developing communities calls for a new generation of global engineers who can operate in environments vastly different from those in the developed world. Engineers must become creative and innovative as they contend with uncertainty, complexity, and constraints in unfamiliar cultural settings. They must also deal with a multitude of technical and nontechnical issues beyond their accustomed practice. In this book, Bernard Amadei addresses the role of engineering in poverty reduction and human development. He introduces a framework to help engineers conduct small-scale projects in communities vulnerable to the consequences of a wide range of adverse events. His framework combines concepts and tools traditionally used by development agencies with techniques from engineering project management and systems thinking. When blended, these tools and techniques from seemingly unrelated fields offer engineers better methods to manage the difficulties inherent in community development projects. Engineering for Sustainable Human Development is about the delivery of projects that are done right from a performance (technical) point of view and are also the right projects from a social, environmental, and economic (context) point of view. This multidisciplinary approach to sustainable engineering will be valuable to practitioners and students, as well as people associated with development organizations and aid agencies. Engineering for Sustainable Principles and Practices is a comprehensive resource for sustainable engineering methods throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects and systems. As stewards of the nation s infrastructure, civil engineers are called to lead and advocate for sustainable design, programs, and development. This book provides the tools to support engineers in this effort. Drawing on the expertise of more than 40 authors, this book is divided in to four topic areas. First, chapters define sustainability and give historical background on the roles played by civil engineers, infrastructure systems, and pioneering projects in making communities sustainable and resilient. Second, engineering principles and infrastructure-specific sustainable practices are examined in detail. Third, a collection of case studies focuses on sustainable engineering practices in real-world situations. These case studies cover buildings, transportation networks, water resources, urban development, and industrial facilities. Finally, the book includes additional resources, as well as looks at the positive and negative effects that infrastructure can have on sustainability. This resource will be valuable to all practicing civil engineers, as well as engineering faculty and students interested in planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure projects and systems.

civil Engineers Who Design, Construct, Or Manage Infrastructure Or Environmental Systems Often Find Themselves Facing Decisions That Involve Factors Outside Technical And Engineering Requirements: Can A Transportation System Be Made More Sustainable? How Can We Balance Environmental Demands With Available Financing? How Can Priorities For Building And Repairing Water Systems Be Established In Light Of Limited Resources?

economics And Finance For Engineers And Planners: Managing Infrastructure And Natural Resources Presents The Core Issues Of Economics And Finance That Relate Directly To The Work Of Civil Engineers, Construction Managers, And Public Works And Utility Officials. This Book Answers The Practical Questions That Confront Engineers Involved In Infrastructure, Natural Resources, And The Environment. It Explains The Economic Forces, Reviews Financial Methods, And Offers The Management Tools Necessary For Civil And Environmental Engineers To Be Successful.

this Book Will Be An Invaluable Resource For Civil And Environmental Engineers, Construction Managers, Public Works And Utility Officials, And Anyone Involved In The Economics And Finance Of Planning And Management.

This book is written for the layperson in clear, easy-to-understand terms to assist homeowners in understanding why some soils and conditions can lead to structural or cosmetic damage to buildings. Both the nature of the soil behavior and how buildings respond are addressed. This comprehensively updated report discusses the difference between cosmetic damage and structural damage resulting from soil shrinkage or heave movement and provides information on both prevention and mitigation of damage. Topics include definition and characteristics of expansive soils; building foundation types; causes of interior and exterior cracks; climate, vegetation, and landscape irrigation; homeowner maintenance; lot drainage and foundation performance; and prevention and mitigation techniques. Numerous new photographs and updated diagrams and figures illustrate key points. Also included is a section of frequently asked questions by individuals who have or are building homes on expansive soils. This book will be of interest to homeowners, as well as construction industry professionals and engineering practitioners. Abstract: The development of raw land into buildable lots can be filled with opportunities as well as pitfalls. In Residential Land Development Practices, Fourth Edition, Johnson draws on more than 40 years of experience as an engineer, consultant, and lecturer to prepare an easy-to-use guide to the basic concepts of land planning, subdivision design, and residential standards.This edition has been updated with five new chapters reflecting the social and economic changes in the last ten years. The new material includes sustainable land development concepts; the municipal government's changing landscape; the developer, consultant, regulator relationship; due diligence practices; and land development as part of the engineering curriculum.Added to the core topics of bidding, financing, marketing, project management, and field operations, this new edition provides a comprehensive guide for land development beginners or seasoned professionals to better understand the complexities of the residential land development business The development of raw land into buildable lots can be filled with opportunities as well as pitfalls. In Residential Land Development Practices, Fourth Edition, Johnson draws on over 40 years of experience as an engineer, consultant, and lecturer to prepare an easy-to-use guide to the basic concepts of land planning, subdivision design, and residential standards. This edition has been updated with 5 new chapters reflecting the social and economic changes in the last 10 years. The new material includes sustainable land development concepts; the municipal government s changing landscape; the developer, consultant, regulator relationship; due diligence practices; and land development as part of the engineering curriculum. Added to the core topics of bidding, financing, marketing, project management, and field operations this new edition provides a comprehensive guide for land development beginners or seasoned professionals to better understand the complexities of the residential land development business. Addresses the role of engineering in poverty reduction and human development. Amadei introduces a framework to help engineers conduct small-scale projects in communities vulnerable to the consequences of a wide range of adverse events. His framework combines concepts and tools traditionally used by development agencies with techniques from engineering project management and systems thinking. When blended, these tools and techniques from seemingly unrelated fields offer engineers better methods to manage the difficulties inherent in community development projects. --From publisher description