Breaking Ground: The Biggest Engineering Hurdles in Site Development
Becky Klein, PE, project manager at PEA Group, recently spoke at ICSC + Continuing Education, where she provided insight into the most common engineering challenges that arise during site development and how to proactively address them.
Her session, “Breaking Ground: The Biggest Engineering Hurdles in Site Development,” focused on the early-stage decisions that can set a project up for success or lead to costly setbacks. Becky outlined practical strategies to help project teams avoid unnecessary delays, manage risk, and deliver smarter site solutions.
The Importance of Due Diligence
A well-executed development starts with a solid foundation. Becky stressed the importance of conducting thorough due diligence early in the process. Site Investigation Reports help determine the feasibility of a site by evaluating key factors such as soil conditions, potential contamination, and floodplain impacts.
Identifying permitting and zoning constraints upfront allows teams to avoid unexpected issues that could affect timelines and budgets later in the project.
Identifying Challenges Before They Disrupt Progress
Engineering hurdles vary depending on the site, but several recurring challenges often impact feasibility and design. Klein highlighted three critical categories:
- Environmental considerations including soil quality, contamination, and stormwater management.
- Utilities and infrastructure such as availability, capacity, and the cost or complexity of relocation.
- Topographical and natural conditions including grading constraints, wetlands, and site drainage.
By addressing these factors early, developers can create more accurate budgets, establish realistic timelines, and avoid mid-project design changes.
Keeping Up with Regulatory Changes
Becky also touched on the evolving regulatory environment and how it impacts site development. Legislative updates at the local, state, and federal levels can change the way projects are designed, reviewed, and permitted. Staying current with these changes is essential, especially in high-growth or heavily regulated areas where review timelines may be extended.
Early engagement with regulatory agencies can help streamline approvals and foster collaborative working relationships throughout the development process.
Key Takeaways for Success
Becky closed her session by sharing actionable strategies for development teams:
- Ask the right questions early to avoid missteps and minimize risk.
- Work with experienced professionals such as engineers, planners, and surveyors to gain critical insights.
- Use technology to your advantage with tools like GIS mapping and 3D site modeling to visualize constraints and solutions.
- Be proactive with permitting by engaging municipalities and agencies from the start.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Becky Klein at bklein@peagroup.com or 248.979.7772 to schedule a Lunch and Learn.