The document outlines the process for site selection and site analysis. It discusses 4 main steps for site selection: 1) readiness review, 2) developing a work plan, 3) conducting a site search, and 4) evaluating potential sites. It also discusses 5 steps for site analysis: 1) investigating the program, 2) analyzing the site, 3) evaluating the site, 4) developing a report, and 5) evaluating physical, cultural, regulatory, and other factors that could impact site suitability. The goal of both processes is to thoroughly evaluate potential locations based on project needs and site characteristics to identify the best site for development.

1. The Process of Site Selection
Site Selection Process - indicates the practice of new facility location, both for business and
government. Site selection involves measuring the needs of a new project against the merits of
potential locations.
Step 1: Confirm Readiness
The purpose of the readiness review is to assess when to begin the formal and
informal site selection activities, to determine whether there are any significant changes in the
assumptions of the Feasibility Study and Site and Design Prospectus, and to identify any
emerging issues and information that can impact site selection.
Duration: 2 Weeks
Recommended Activities:
 Review Feasibility Study and other documents such as Project
requirements; Site cost assumptions; Relocation cost assumptions;
Project approvals and funding; and Project schedule.
 Confirm status of project approvals and funding
Step 2: Develop Work Plan
Composing a Site Selection Work Plan;
 to provide guidance to ensure that site selection is performed accurately
and completely;
 to ensure that the appropriate experts and professionals participate at the
right time;
 to complete the site selection tasks in an efficient manner
 to keep stakeholders informed and aid in reaching consensus for the
recommended sites(s).
Duration: 2 Weeks
Recommended Activities:
 Selection of Site Investigation Team
 Develop Work Plan
 Review and/or revise general, technical, and financial site criteria
 Develop communication plan
Step 3: Conduct Search for Site
Duration: 9 Weeks
Recommended Activities:
 Commence discussion with customer agency and community
 Finalize Evaluation Factors
 Advertise for sites
 Conduct site tours and site searches
 Compile site offers and searches
Step 4: Long List Evaluation
In this step, the Site Investigation Team—using their knowledge of the project and
its requirements, technical factors, and financial factors—reviews and evaluates the long list.
Typically, the three (3) most suitable sites that satisfy the evaluation criteria compose the short
list for further analysis.
Duration: 3 Weeks
Recommended Activities:
 Evaluate Long List Requirements - the team reviews both offered and
unoffered sites for their suitability to support the project requirements,
technical factors, and financial factors described in the advertisement and
determined by the Site Investigation Team
Criteria Categories for Long List Evaluation:
- Project Requirements : Required Site Area, Location Preferences,
Site Coverage, Security Requirements, Sustainability, Neighborhood
Characters/Immediate Surroundings, Traffic and Transportation,
Image and Visibility, Local Planning Requirements/Initiatives,
Budget, and Schedule
- Technical Factors : Site Context/Location Information, Physical
Elements of Site, Zoning and Local Codes, Public Streets and Alleys,
Subsurface/Geotechnical Conditions, Seismic Conditions, Energy
Conservation/Utilities, Sewer, Historic Preservation/Cultural
Resources, Existing Use/Ownership and Control , Community
Services,
- Financial Factors : Site Acquisition and Relocation Costs,
Demolition/Remediation Costs, Site Construction and Preparation
Cost, Infrastructure Improvements, Local Economic Dev’t Impact,
Funding Sources, Owner’s Financial Performance
 Select Short List of Sites
 Communicate Short List to Stakeholders
 Notify Offerors
Step 5: Short List Evaluation
Duration: 25 Weeks
Recommended Activities:
 Conduct Detailed Site Evaluation
 Communicate/Review Recommendations
 Prepare Final Site Investigation Report
 Recommend Preferred Sites
 List of supporting exhibits/documents: Site Directives, Selection Criteria,
Public Notice, Photos of Recommended Sites, Site Plans, Boundary
Survey, Zoning Report, Soil Testing Information, Seismic Map,
Water/Storm/Sanitary Sewer Maps, Flood Zone Map, real Estate Value

2. Analysis, Cultural Research Overview, Preliminary Site Assessment,
CATEX/EA/EIS Reports.
Note: CATEX-Categorial Exclusion; EA-Environmental Assessment, EIS-
Environmetal Impact Statement
The Process of Site Analysis
Site Analysis - It involves the evaluation of an existing or potential site in relation to the
development program, environmental impact, impacts on the community and adjacent
properties, project budget, and schedule.
The site analysis identifies environmental, program, and development constraints
and opportunities. A well-executed site analysis forms the essential foundation for a cost-
effective, environmentally sensitive, and rational approach to project development.
Why a Client may need Site Analysis Services?
- To evaluate development constraints and opportunities for a site
- To asses basis for purchase
- To asses infrastructure characteristics of site
- Gain information for basis of a zoning variance
Knowledge and Skills Required in Site Analysis:
- Knowledge of climate, topography, soils, and natural features
- Knowledge of site utility distribution systems
- Ability to evaluate site access and circulation factors
- Understanding of building siting considerations
- Familiarity with planning and zoning ordinances
- Ability to analyze multiple factors objectively
- Ability to work with related or specialty disciplines
Tasks of Owner/Representative in the Site Analysis Process:
- Program investigation
- Site inventory and analysis
- Site evaluation
- Report development
Site Analysis in Relation to Client’s Need:
1. Site Selection - the site analysis is needed to identify the best site based on the
physical, cultural, and regulatory characteristics of the site and its surroundings, as
well as the site’s adaptability to and compatibility with the proposed program.
2. Program Definition - The focus of site analysis will be on determining the
development capacity of the site so the program can be further defined in terms of
density, open space, and environmental quality. The resulting site program will set
the stage for site design.
3. Site Accommodation - When a client has both a defined program and a selected
site, the site analysis objective will be to maximize the potential of the site for its
intended use by developing a thorough understanding of the opportunities and
limitations it offers.
4. Development Potential Evaluation - In some cases a client already owns or is
considering the purchase of an undeveloped or underdeveloped property and seeks
site analysis to accurately define the general development potential and market value
of the property.
5. Special Site Studies - Each site will present a unique set of issues and concerns.
As part of site analysis, special studies may be required. Examples are utilities
studies, environmental impact studies, historic resources inventories, and studies of
special opportunities, such as the construction of co-generation plants or solid
waste disposal systems.
Site Analysis depends on:
- Owner’s Situation
- Project Size
- Program Complexity
- Site Itself
The Process of Site Analysis
Step 1: Program Investigation
The building program is investigated with respect to the selected or optional building
footprints; area required for parking, circulation, open space, and other program elements; and
any special constraints or requirements such as security, easements, preserving natural
habitat, wetlands, and the like.
Step 2: Site Analysis
The physical, cultural, and regulatory characteristics of the site are initially explored.
The site evaluation checklist identifies factors that may be considered. Some of these factors
can be assessed by collecting and analyzing information; others are best addressed by
walking the site and traversing its environs.
Step 3: Site Evaluation
At this point, thorough assessments are conducted when necessary to develop the
site analysis plan. These may include physical testing of aspects of the site, its improvements,
and adjoining properties.

3. Step 4: Report Development
The site analysis report normally includes property maps, geotechnical maps and
findings, site analysis recommendations, and a clear statement of the impact of the findings
and recommendations on the proposed building program.
The Factors in Evaluating a Site
1. Physical Factors
1.a. Climate
 Prevailing Winds: direction, velocity, Special Forces like tornados and
hurricanes
 Solar Orientation: sun angles, days of sunlight, cloud cover, shading of/from
adjacent structures, natural features and vegetation
 Temperature: ranges of variation, maximum and minimum temperature
 Humidity: ranges of variation, maximum and minimum temperature
 Precipitation: peak period totals, annual and seasonal amount of rainfall
1.b. Topography
 Legal Property Description
 Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos: contour and spot elevations, slopes,
escarpments, erosion channels, rocks, ledges, ridges, drainage lines and other
unique features, visual characteristics, and potential obstacles in the
topography during construction
 Analysis of Physical Features
 Existing Access and Circulation: vehicular, pedestrian
 Vegetation
 Existing Water Bodies: location, size , depth, direction of flow, quality, expected
water levels, ecological features like swamp, lake, pond, rivers
 Drainage Canals: river, stream, marshes, lakes, ponds
 Existing Waterway Easements: surface and sub-surface
 Surface Drainage
 Unique Site Features
1.c. Geotechnical/Soils
 Basic Surface Soil Type
 Rock and Soil Type: characteristics, formation and origin
 Bedrock: Depth, Classification
 Seismic Conditions
 Environmental Hazards
1.d. Utilities
 Potable Water
 Electricity
 Gas
 Telephone
 Cable television
 Sanitary Sewer Service
 Storm Drainage
 Fire Protection
1.e. Immediate Surroundings
 Neighborhood Structures
 Shading and Solar Access
 Noise
 Odors
 Views and Vistas
1.f. General Services
 Fire and Police Protection
 Trash/Refuse Removal System/Services
 Snow Removal including on-site storage
2. Cultural Factors
2.a. Site History
 Former Site Uses: hazardous dumping, landfill, old foundations, archeological
grounds
 History of Existing Structures: historic worth, affiliations, outline, location, floor
elevations, type, condition, use or service
2.b. Land Use, Ownership and Control
 Present Zoning of Site and Adjacent Property
 Adjacent Surrounding Land Uses: present, projected, probable effects of
development
 Type of Land Ownership
 Function and Pattern of Land Use: urbanized, farm type, grazing, public domain
 Location, Size and Type of Pertinent Community Services: school, market,
parks, municipal services, recreational facilities, banks, food services, health
services, access to highways and public transportation
2.c. Economic Value
 Political Jurisdiction
 Accepted Territories
 Future Potential
 Size of Surrounding lots and approximate price ranges
3. Regulatory Factors
3.a Zoning Codes
 Permitted Uses: by variance, by special use permit, accessory structures
 Minimum Site Area Requirements
 Building Height Limits
 Yard/Setback Requirements

4.  Lot Coverage: Floor-Area Ratio (FAR), Percentage of Coverage, Open Space
Requirements
 Off-street parking Requirement
 Landscaping Requirements
 Sign Requirements
3.b. Subdivision, Site Plan Review, and Other Local Requirements
 Lot Requirements: size, configuration, setbacks and percent coverage
 Street Requirements: width, geometry, curb and curb cuts, road construction
standards, placement of utilities, dead end streets, intersection geometry,
sidewalks, and street names
3.c. Drainage Requirements
 Removal of Spring and surface water
 Stream courses
 Lands/areas subject to flooding
 Detention/Retention Ponds
3.d. Parks
 Open Space Requirements
 Park and Playground Requirements
 Screening from adjacent users
3.e. Environmental Regulations
 Water, Sewer, recyclables and solid waste disposal
 Clean Air Requirements
 Soil Conservation
 Protected Areas, wetlands, floodplains, coastal zones, wild and scenic areas
 Fish and Wildlife Protection
 Protection of Archeological Resources
3.f. Other Codes and Requirements
 Historic Preservation and Landmarks
 Architectural/Design Controls
 Special districts
 Miscellaneous: mobile homes, billboard, noise
 Site Related Items specified in Building Codes: building separation, parking and
access for persons with disabilities, service and emergency vehicle access
and parking