Navigating the Land Development Lifecycle

At Westwood, we support clients’ needs through all the project lifecycle phases: 

• Site Selection & Feasibility 
• Permitting & Entitlements 
• Design 
• Construction  

To streamline your next project, we have provided a service guide for each lifecycle phase to help you plan and cross off essential tasks. 

Site Selection & Feasibility 

Concepts | Risk Identification | Site Optimization  

Every project starts as a vision, but before you invest the money needed to develop the concept, it’s essential to identify potential risks and assess its feasibility. This is why the site selection & feasibility phase is a critical component of any land project. This is the first step to laying the groundwork for success by identifying optimal locations and assessing potential constraints and opportunities. This phase ensures a project aligns with your strategic goals, taking into account factors such as accessibility, environmental conditions, and regulatory compliance. Our environmental, engineering, and land surveying specialists leverage their experience of the entire project lifecycle to quickly identify risks and help you determine project feasibility. 

Here are the first steps to take and the many ways we can help you with site selection & feasibility:

Service Guide  

• Conceptual Site Plans 
• Critical Issues Analysis 
• Desktop Cultural Resource Studies 
• Desktop Geotechnical Review 
• Desktop Habitat Studies 
• Desktop Sensitive Species Studies 
• Desktop Survey Constraints Map 
• Desktop Wetlands Studies 
• Due Diligence Reviews 
• Fatal Flaw Hydrology Evaluation 
• Fatal Flaws Studies 
• Geotechnical Engineering 
• Interconnection Application 
• Permit Matrix 
• Portfolio Prioritization 
• Project Feasibility Review 
• Site Characterization Study 
• Site Screening 
• Water Resources 

Entitlements & Permitting 

Environmental Services | Zoning Analysis | Wetlands | Cultural Resources 

In the entitlements & permitting phase of land development projects, we leverage our extensive expertise to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring projects move smoothly from concept to construction. Our team works diligently with federal, state, and local authorities across the country to secure the necessary permits and approvals, addressing zoning, environmental, and community requirements. With a deep understanding of many local ordinances and regulations, we provide tailored solutions that meet specific project needs while maintaining compliance. By integrating permitting with design and planning, we provide efficient project advancement, minimizing delays and facilitating seamless execution. 

Here are the next steps and the many ways we can help you with entitlements & permitting:

Service Guide  

• Aerial Imaging & LiDAR 
• Aerial Magnetometry 
• AHJ Requirements 
• Constraints Mapping 
• Cultural Resource Studies 
• Desktop Survey Constraint Map 
• Desktop Utility Discovery 
• Drain Tile Mapping 
• Existing Road Studies and Transportation Analysis 
• Federal, State, and Local Permitting 
• Geotechnical Investigation 
• Hydrologic/Hydraulic Modeling 
• Incidental Take Permit Applications 
• Jurisdictional Water Analysis 
• Landscape Plans 
• Noise Control & Acoustics 
• Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments 
• Preliminary Design for Permit 
• Preliminary Grading Analysis 
• State Siting Permit Applications 
• Stormwater Management Plans 
• Survey Base Mapping 
• Topographic Surveys 
• Utility Research and Coordination 
• Wetland Delineation and Permitting 
• Zoning Analysis 

Design 

Grading | Stormwater | Parking Lot & Roadway Design | Site Amenities & Landscaping |Water/Wastewater

In the design phase, we offer comprehensive solutions for a wide range of needs. Our capabilities encompass site grading, ensuring proper land balancing, and preparation to facilitate construction. We expertly manage utility infrastructure, providing efficient water, wastewater, and electrical layouts. Our stormwater management strategies are tailored to meet regulatory requirements and environmental considerations, ensuring effective site drainage. In the end, we enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of projects through meticulous site amenities and landscape design, creating inviting, sustainable environments. 

Here are the steps to take and the many ways we can help you during the design phase:

Service Guide 

• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys 
• Amenity Considerations 
• Civil Engineering 
• Embankment Design 
• Geotechnical Investigation 
• Hydrologic/Hydraulic Modeling 
• Landscape Architecture 
• Legal Descriptions and Survey Exhibits 
• Pedestrian Access Flow 
• Roadway Infrastructure and Design 
• Retaining and Blast Walls 
• Site Grading & Drainage 
• Slope Stability Analysis 
• Stormwater Management Plans 
• Stormwater Permitting 
• Substation Engineering 
• Traffic and Transportation Engineering 
• Transmission Line Engineering 
• Utility Crossing Matrix 
• Utility Discovery 

Construction 

Construction Administration | Construction Layout | Inspection 

As you enter this final stage, it is time to have everything ready for a smooth transition to active site construction. We understand the level of detail required to balance project requirements with construction flexibility, thereby promoting a timely completion of a project within budget. By leveraging our expertise in civil engineering and surveying, we address construction challenges promptly and ensure solutions are both practical and cost-effective. Our capabilities include managing environmental compliance, overseeing site grading and utility installation, and conducting inspections to ensure adherence to design specifications. With a focus on safety and efficiency, we work closely with all stakeholders to minimize disruptions and keep the project on track.   

Here are the steps to take and the many ways we can help you throughout construction. 

Service Guide 

• Aerial Inspection 
• Air Bridge Design 
• Compliance Audits 
• Construction Administration 
• On-site Construction Inspection 
• Construction Data Acquisition Technology 
• Construction Impact Surveys 
• Contaminated Soil Remediation 
• Engineering Construction Support 
• Owner’s Engineer Services 
• Pre-Construction and Post-Construction Road Videos 
• Record Drawings 
• Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans (SPCC) 
• Post Construction Support and Contractor Compliance 
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) 
• Thermography 
• Utility Crossing Hydrovac Support 

A successful land development project depends on making the right decisions at the right time. By understanding each phase of the lifecycle and planning ahead, developers can reduce risk, avoid delays, and keep projects moving forward with confidence. Whether you’re evaluating a new site or preparing for construction, having the right expertise in place at every step helps turn your vision into a successful, buildable outcome. Want to know more about how we can help? Contact our team. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should be evaluated during the site selection phase of a land development project?
During site selection, it’s important to assess feasibility, constraints, and overall project alignment. This includes environmental conditions, access, utilities, zoning, and potential risks that could impact cost or timeline. Early due diligence helps identify fatal flaws before significant investment is made.

2. How long does the permitting and entitlements process typically take?
Timelines vary widely depending on project complexity, location, and regulatory requirements. Some projects may take a few months, while others can take a year or more. Working with experienced teams, like Westwood, who understand local, state, and federal processes, can help streamline approvals and reduce delays.

3. Why is integrating design with permitting important?
Aligning design with permitting early helps avoid rework and keeps projects moving efficiently. When design decisions account for regulatory requirements upfront, it reduces the risk of revisions, accelerates approvals, and improves overall project coordination.

4. What role does engineering play during construction?
Engineering support during construction ensures that plans are executed correctly and challenges are addressed quickly. This includes site inspections, construction administration, and resolving field issues to maintain quality, safety, and schedule.

5. How can developers reduce risk across the entire land development lifecycle?
Risk can be minimized through early planning, thorough due diligence, and continuous coordination throughout all phases. Leveraging expertise in environmental services, engineering, surveying, and permitting helps identify issues early and maintain momentum from concept through construction.