Site Development & Land

Land Development Feasibility Study

Before you buy land, an engineer checks zoning, utilities, access, flood zones, soils and costs to see what can actually be built. Typical US fees run $2,500 to $25,000, and most projects take 2 to 6 weeks, often timed to the purchase contract due diligence period.

Typical US fee$2,500 to $25,000
Typical timeline2 to 6 weeks, often timed to the purchase contract due diligence period
Permit drawingsAs needed

What the work involves

A due diligence or feasibility study reviews a parcel's zoning, setbacks, utility availability and capacity, road access, floodplain and wetland constraints, soils, topography and permitting path, then estimates a buildable area and order-of-magnitude site costs. It often includes a conceptual site layout or lot yield. The result helps a buyer or lender decide whether the price makes sense and what approvals will take before the purchase closes.

When you need it

  • Considering buying raw land or a redevelopment site
  • Need to know how many lots or how much building area fits
  • Unclear whether water, sewer or road access is available
  • Parcel may contain wetlands, floodplain or steep slopes
  • Lender or investor wants a due diligence report

What you receive

  • Feasibility report
  • Conceptual site layout or lot yield
  • Utility availability summary
  • Permitting and approval timeline
  • Order-of-magnitude site cost estimate

What drives the cost

Estimate. Small single-lot checks can be a few thousand dollars; multi-acre commercial due diligence with a conceptual plan and agency meetings costs more. Surveys, Phase I ESA and geotechnical work are usually separate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does land Development Feasibility Study cost?

Across the US, land Development Feasibility Study usually costs $2,500 to $25,000. Estimate. Small single-lot checks can be a few thousand dollars; multi-acre commercial due diligence with a conceptual plan and agency meetings costs more. Surveys, Phase I ESA and geotechnical work are usually separate.

How long does land Development Feasibility Study take?

Plan on 2 to 6 weeks, often timed to the purchase contract due diligence period from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Is a permit required for land Development Feasibility Study?

Often not on its own, but the findings frequently lead to work that does need a permit. We tell you which parts of the follow-up work your local building department will review, and can prepare those drawings too.

Will I also need a land surveyor?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, land Development Feasibility Study can also involve a land surveyor, environmental consultant, geotechnical engineer, land use attorney or planner. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide land Development Feasibility Study for?

Most of our clients for this service are developers, homeowners, lenders and attorneys. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

When should I order a feasibility study?

During the due diligence period of the purchase contract, before deposits become nonrefundable. Ask your engineer how long the work takes and negotiate enough time.

What makes a site infeasible?

Common deal breakers are no sewer capacity or failed perc tests, no legal access, large wetlands or floodplain, and zoning that does not allow the intended use. Some of these can be solved at a cost, which is why the study also estimates what fixes would take.

Does a feasibility study include a survey?

Usually not. The engineer often starts from public GIS and flood map data, and recommends a boundary and topographic survey if the purchase moves forward.

Will the study tell me development cost?

It typically gives an order-of-magnitude estimate. Accurate costs come later from engineered plans and contractor bids.

Where we provide this service

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Sources

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