Land Planning is a critical element of the Land Development process. CivilScapes Engineering will help with Due Diligence and prepare a site-specific Feasibility Study and Preliminary Cost Estimate so you can make more informed decisions.
Land Planning also involves Site Plan layout. CivilScapes Engineering will develop a site plan that: satisfies the project's needs, is cost effective, and makes efficient use of the land available.
CivilScapes Engineering will develop a strategic Subdivision Plan for your residential, commercial, or mixed-use development project. Subdividing land into smaller parcels or lots can be a complicated process requiring the approval of political decision-makers. We work closely with the governing agencies and stakeholders to provide you the best solution possible for the project's Tentative/Final Map.
Site Design can be an iterative process. It often requires extra thought and design time to come up with the optimal solution. It is much easier to “over-engineer” a site than it is to engineer a site properly. Some designers will simply propose more costly infrastructure to avoid spending extra design time so they can move on to the next project. At CivilScapes Engineering, we feel it is our duty come up with the optimal solution by asking these three questions:
1. Which solution best serves the needs of the community?
2. Which solution is the most practical and buildable?
3. Which solution is the most cost effective in the short-term and long-term?
CivilScapes Engineering promises never to ask “What is easier for us so we can move onto the next project?”
Whether your project is a development project or capital improvement project, CivilScapes Engineering will provide professional services from conception to construction.
CivilScapes Engineering will analyze the existing sewer and water facilities within the project’s vicinity to determine if they meet the development’s demand needs for sewer, domestic water, irrigation, and fire protection purposes. The analysis will be the basis for design of the sewer and water system from the service connections to the building. If utility services are unavailable or are insufficient, CivilScapes Engineering will prepare public improvement plans as required to meet the project needs.
Most agencies require an Erosion Control Plan to be included with the Grading Plan Set. Proper Erosion Control Design incorporates various Erosion and Sediment Control Measures (or BMPs) to minimize erosion from exposed soil areas and protect downstream storm drain facilities from sedimentation during construction.
Proper management and disposal of stormwater runoff is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. Development projects can potentially alter the site drainage and increase the risk of flooding. CivilScapes Engineering will analyze the site’s hydrology for the existing and proposed project conditions. The results of the hydrology analysis will be used to design and layout the storm drain facilities to safely convey water off the property.
There are also environmental considerations that need to be addressed with the Stormwater Management Plan. Rooftops, parking lots, landscape areas, and waste storage bins can potentially be a source of pollutants in the stormwater runoff. The Regional Water Quality Control Board regulates the discharge of stormwater-related pollutants into the receiving water bodies. CivilScapes Engineering will develop a Stormwater Management Plan (aka SUSMP, WQMP, SQUIMP) outlining the measures used to reduce pollutants from the site’s stormwater runoff.
To better serve our clients, we are always staying up to date on the latest developments in stormwater regulation and compliance. By having a firm understanding of these regulations, we are able to navigate your project through the murky waters of stormwater compliance and avoid costly design changes and delays. While we understand the importance of stormwater compliance, we are dedicated to providing the most reasonable and cost-effective solutions.
Construction projects over one acre are required the develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPPs two major objectives are: (1) to help identify the sources of sediment and other pollutants that affect the quality of stormwater discharges; and (2) to describe and ensure the implementation of BMPs to reduce or eliminate sediment and other pollutants in stormwater and non-stormwater discharges. The SWPPP can only be written, amended and certified by a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD). As of September 2011, the QSD shall have attended an approved 24-hour training class and passed a state-sponsored exam. CivilScapes Engineering has the required QSD credentials to prepare your project-specific SWPPP. Failure to develop and implement a SWPPP could result in significant fines from the EPA or SWRCB. It is important for the SWPPP to address specific conditions at the site. The SWPPP should be fully implemented throughout construction and kept up-to-date to reflect changes at the site.
The SWPPP includes a Construction Site Monitoring Program which describes monitoring, inspection, and sampling/analysis of storm water runoff. These activities are required to be implemented by a certified Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP). CivilScapes Engineering has the required QSP credentials to implement your SWPPP activities at the construction site.
Need a Conditional Use Permit, Site Development Application, Grading or Building Permit? Our ability to work closely with local agencies will help streamline the entitlements and plan checking process.