Benefits of Hiring a Land Development Consultant
Posted on: 15 January 2019
A land development consultant is an individual that provides consultancy services to people intending to develop their land. Below are several benefits of hiring a land development consultant.
Land subdivision
Although land subdivision is a lengthy process, the land development consultant should tell you what the process entails. Crucial information includes:
- The minimum plot size according to local law.
- The availability of utilities such as gas, water, sewer and electricity in the area.
- Renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind power (these are crucial for people intending to develop green communities).
- The minimum requirements regarding public services (for example, how wide the roads should be and whether you are required to set aside space for public utilities and commercial developments as these are crucial considerations when subdividing large parcels of land).
- Which authorities you require approvals from (you might need approvals from government bodies dealing with water and electricity).
- The length of the entire process.
- The price of the subdivision.
Zoning regulations
Local councils have strict planning laws that aim to ensure controlled and organised development. The land development consultant should tell you if there are zoning regulations that may affect certain kinds of development. If the area is zoned for mixed development, your local council will allow you to change land use from private to commercial. The consultant should tell you how you can do that.
Project viability
Most people visiting a land development consultant have a real estate project in mind. It may be rental apartments or individual housing units for sale. The land development consultant should evaluate the project and tell you if it is viable. He or she will look into the real estate market and inform you of any gaps that you can take advantage of. The land development consultant will also explain the financing concept to you. He will educate you about mortgages and how you can benefit from partnerships. As he or she does not have any interests in your land, you are bound to get unbiased advice.
Environmental factors
The consultant will evaluate various environmental factors that might affect the proposed project. For instance, foundations built on clay or silt soils have to be strong because these soils have a high water retention capacity. If the area is susceptible to natural disasters such as floods, you will have to retrofit buildings and develop a stormwater management system.
Once you hire a land development consultant, he or she should advise you on land subdivision, zoning regulations, project viability, and environmental factors.
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