Parameter of Site Selection & Analysis

The Process of Site Selection

The site selection process - indicates the practice of new facility location,
both for business and government. Site selection involves measuring the
needs of a new project against the merits of potential locations.
Step 1: Confirm Readiness
The purpose of the readiness review is to assess when to begin the
formal and informal site selection activities, to determine whether there are
any significant changes in the assumptions of the Feasibility Study and Site
and Design Prospectus, and to identify any emerging issues and information
that can impact site selection.
Duration: 2 Weeks
Recommended Activities

Review Feasibility Study and other documents such as Project

requirements; Site cost assumptions; Relocation cost assumptions;

Project approvals and funding; and Project schedule.

Confirm status of project approvals and funding

Step 2: Develop Work Plan

Composing a Site Selection Work Plan;

to provide guidance to ensure that site selection is performed

accurately and completely;

to ensure that the appropriate experts and professionals participate at

the right time;

to complete the site selection tasks in an efficient manner
to keep stakeholders informed and aid in reaching consensus for the
recommended sites(s).

Duration: 2 Weeks
Recommended Activities:

Selection of Site Investigation Team

Develop Work Plan
Review and/or revise general, technical, and financial site criteria
Develop communication plan

Step 3: Conduct Search for Site

Duration: 9 Weeks
Recommended Activities:

Commence discussion with customer agency and community

Finalize Evaluation Factors
Advertise for sites
Conduct site tours and site searches
Compile site offers and searches

Step 4: Long List Evaluation

In this step, the Site Investigation Teamusing their knowledge of the
project and its requirements, technical factors, and financial factorsreviews

and evaluates the long list. Typically, the three (3) most suitable sites that
satisfy the evaluation criteria compose the short list for further analysis.
Duration: 3 Weeks
Recommended Activities:

Evaluate Long List Requirements - the team reviews both offered and
unoffered sites for their suitability to support the project requirements,
technical factors, and financial factors described in the advertisement
and determined by the Site Investigation Team
Criteria Categories for Long List Evaluation:
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Project Requirements : Required Site Area, Location Preferences,

Site Coverage, Security Requirements, Sustainability,
Neighborhood Characters/Immediate Surroundings, Traffic and
Transportation, Image and Visibility, Local Planning

Requirements/Initiatives, Budget, and Schedule

Technical Factors : Site Context/Location Information, Physical
Elements of Site, Zoning and Local Codes, Public Streets and
Alleys, Subsurface/Geotechnical Conditions, Seismic Conditions,
Energy Conservation/Utilities, Sewer, Historic
Preservation/Cultural Resources, Existing Use/Ownership and

Control , Community Services,

Financial Factors : Site Acquisition and Relocation Costs,
Demolition/Remediation Costs, Site Construction and Preparation

Cost, Infrastructure Improvements, Local Economic Devt Impact,

Funding Sources, Owners Financial Performance

Select Short List of Sites
Communicate Short List to Stakeholders
Notify Offerors

Step 5: Short List Evaluation

Duration: 25 Weeks
Recommended Activities:

Conduct Detailed Site Evaluation

Communicate/Review Recommendations
Prepare Final Site Investigation Report
Recommend Preferred Sites
List of supporting exhibits/documents: Site Directives, Selection
Criteria, Public Notice, Photos of Recommended Sites, Site Plans,
Boundary Survey, Zoning Report, Soil Testing Information, Seismic Map,
Water/Storm/Sanitary Sewer Maps, Flood Zone Map, real Estate Value
Analysis, Cultural Research Overview, Preliminary Site Assessment,
CATEX/EA/EIS Reports.

Note: CATEX-Categorial Exclusion; EA-Environmental Assessment, EISEnvironmetal Impact Statement

The Process of Site Analysis
Site Analysis - It involves the evaluation of an existing or potential site in
relation to the development program, environmental impact, impacts on the
community and adjacent properties, project budget, and schedule.

The site analysis identifies environmental, program, and development

constraints and opportunities. A well-executed site analysis forms the
essential foundation for a cost- effective, environmentally sensitive, and
rational approach to project development.

Why a Client may need Site Analysis Services?

-

To evaluate development constraints and opportunities for a site

To asses basis for purchase
To asses infrastructure characteristics of site
Gain information for basis of a zoning variance

Knowledge and Skills Required in Site Analysis:

-

Knowledge of climate, topography, soils, and natural features

Knowledge of site utility distribution systems
Ability to evaluate site access and circulation factors
Understanding of building siting considerations
Familiarity with planning and zoning ordinances
Ability to analyze multiple factors objectively
Ability to work with related or specialty disciplines

Tasks of Owner/Representative in the Site Analysis Process:

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Program investigation
Site inventory and analysis
Site evaluation
Report development

Site Analysis in Relation to Clients Need:

1. Site Selection - the site analysis is needed to identify the best site based
on the physical, cultural, and regulatory characteristics of the site and its

surroundings, as well as the sites adaptability to and compatibility with the

proposed program.
2. Program Definition - The focus of site analysis will be on determining
the development capacity of the site so the program can be further defined
in terms of density, open space, and environmental quality. The resulting site
program will set the stage for site design.
3. Site Accommodation - When a client has both a defined program and a
selected site, the site analysis objective will be to maximize the potential of
the site for its intended use by developing a thorough understanding of the
opportunities and limitations it offers.
4. Development Potential Evaluation - In some cases a client already
owns or is considering the purchase of an undeveloped or underdeveloped
property and seeks site analysis to accurately define the general
development potential and market value of the property.
5. Special Site Studies - Each site will present a unique set of issues and
concerns. As part of site analysis, special studies may be required. Examples
are utilities studies, environmental impact studies, historic resources
inventories, and studies of special opportunities, such as the construction of
co-generation plants or solid waste disposal systems.
Site Analysis depends on:
-

Owners Situation
Project Size

Program Complexity
Site Itself

The Process of Site Analysis

Step 1: Program Investigation
The building program is investigated with respect to the selected or
optional building footprints; area required for parking, circulation, open
space, and other program elements; and any special constraints or
requirements such as security, easements, preserving natural habitat,
wetlands, and the like.
Step 2: Site Analysis
The physical, cultural, and regulatory characteristics of the site are
initially explored. The site evaluation checklist identifies factors that may be
considered. Some of these factors can be assessed by collecting and
analyzing information; others are best addressed by walking the site and
traversing its environs.
Step 3: Site Evaluation
At this point, thorough assessments are conducted when necessary to
develop the site analysis plan. These may include physical testing of aspects
of the site, its improvements, and adjoining properties.
Step 4: Report Development

The site analysis report normally includes property maps, geotechnical maps
and findings, site analysis recommendations, and a clear statement of the
impact of the findings and recommendations on the proposed building
program.
The Factors in Evaluating a Site
1) Physical Factors
1.a. Climate
-

Prevailing Winds: direction, velocity, Special Forces like tornados

and hurricanes
Solar Orientation: sun angles, days of sunlight, cloud cover, shading

of/from adjacent structures, natural features and vegetation

Temperature: ranges of variation, maximum and minimum

temperature
Humidity: ranges of variation, maximum and minimum temperature
Precipitation: peak period totals, annual and seasonal amount of

rainfall
1.b. Topography
- Legal Property Description
- Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos: contour and spot elevations,
slopes, escarpments, erosion channels, rocks, ledges, ridges,
drainage lines and other unique features, visual characteristics, and
-

potential obstacles in the topography during construction

Analysis of Physical Features
Existing Access and Circulation: vehicular, pedestrian
Vegetation
Existing Water Bodies: location, size , depth, direction of flow,
quality, expected water levels, ecological features like swamp, lake,
pond, rivers

Drainage Canals: river, stream, marshes, lakes, ponds

Existing Waterway Easements: surface and sub-surface
Surface Drainage
Unique Site Features

1.c. Geotechnical/Soils
- Basic Surface Soil Type
- Rock and Soil Type: characteristics, formation and origin
- Bedrock: Depth, Classification
- Seismic Conditions
- Environmental Hazards
1.d. Utilities
- Potable Water
- Electricity
- Gas
- Telephone
- Cable television
- Sanitary Sewer Service
- Storm Drainage
- Fire Protection
1.e. Immediate Surroundings
- Neighborhood Structures
- Shading and Solar Access
- Noise
- Odors
- Views and Vistas
1.f. General Services
- Fire and Police Protection
- Trash/Refuse Removal System/Services
- Snow Removal including on-site storage
2. Cultural Factors
2.a. Site History
-

Former Site Uses: hazardous dumping, landfill, old foundations,

archeological grounds
History of Existing Structures: historic worth, affiliations, outline,
location, floor elevations, type, condition, use or service

2.b. Land Use, Ownership and Control

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Present Zoning of Site and Adjacent Property

Adjacent Surrounding Land Uses: present, projected, probable

effects of development
Type of Land Ownership
Function and Pattern of Land Use: urbanized, farm type, grazing,

public domain
Location, Size and Type of Pertinent Community Services: school,
market, parks, municipal services, recreational facilities, banks,
food services, health services, access to highways and public
transportation

2.c. Economic Value

-

Political Jurisdiction
Accepted Territories
Future Potential
Size of Surrounding lots and approximate price ranges

3. Regulatory Factors
3.a Zoning Codes
-

Permitted Uses: by variance, by special use permit, accessory

structures
Minimum Site Area Requirements
Building Height Limits
Yard/Setback Requirements
Lot Coverage: Floor-Area Ratio (FAR), Percentage of Coverage, Open

Space Requirements
Off-street parking Requirement
Landscaping Requirements
Sign Requirements

3.b. Subdivision, Site Plan Review, and Other Local Requirements

-

Lot Requirements: size, configuration, setbacks and percent coverage

Street Requirements: width, geometry, curb and curb cuts, road
construction standards, placement of utilities, dead end streets,
intersection geometry, sidewalks, and street names

3.c. Drainage Requirements

-

Removal of Spring and surface water

Stream courses
Lands/areas subject to flooding
Detention/Retention Ponds

3.d. Parks
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Open Space Requirements

Park and Playground Requirements
Screening from adjacent users

3.e. Environmental Regulations

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Water, Sewer, recyclables and solid waste disposal

Clean Air Requirements
Soil Conservation
Protected Areas, wetlands, floodplains, coastal zones, wild and scenic

areas
Fish and Wildlife Protection
Protection of Archeological Resources

3.f. Other Codes and Requirements

-

Historic Preservation and Landmarks

Architectural/Design Controls
Special districts
Miscellaneous: mobile homes, billboard, noise

Site Related Items specified in Building Codes: building separation,

parking and access for persons with disabilities, service and
emergency vehicle access and parking