Parameters of Site Selection & Analysis Site Analysis Site analysis is an inventory completed as a preparatory step to site planning, a form of urban planning which involves research, analysis, and synthesis. It primarily deals with basic data as it relates to a specific site. The topic itself branches into the boundaries of architecture, landscape, engineering, real estate development, economics, and urban planning disciplines. Site analysis is an element in site planning and design. Choosing a site on which to locate a new home is not a simple task. Countless factors – natural, man-made, social and economic – must be examined. Where we choose to build and how we build on a site have an impact on the local and global environments, ongoing costs (utility bills, maintenance) and our physical and psychological well-being. With today’s rapid growth, dwindling resources and increasing pollution threats, concern for human and environmental health are causing us to take a closer look at our building practices, starting with the building site. Whether selecting a site or working with an existing site, and whether the site is urban, suburban or rural, there are many aspects that can be examined with respect to how “green”, that is how healthy for people and the planet, the home on that site can potentially be. The Process of Site Selection
The 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
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accurately and completely; to ensure that the appropriate experts and professionals participate at
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the right time; to complete the site selection tasks in an efficient manner
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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
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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
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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 Analysis, Cultural Research Overview, Preliminary Site Assessment, CATEX/EA/EIS Reports.
Note: CATEX-Categorical Exclusion; EA-Environmental Assessment, EISEnvironmental 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?
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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. 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
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Prevailing Winds: direction, velocity, Special Forces like tornados
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and hurricanes Solar Orientation: sun angles, days of sunlight, cloud cover, shading
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of/from adjacent structures, natural features and vegetation Temperature: ranges of variation, maximum and minimum
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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,
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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 1.d. -
Basic Surface Soil Type Rock and Soil Type: characteristics, formation and origin Bedrock: Depth, Classification Seismic Conditions Environmental Hazards 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,
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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
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effects of development Type of Land Ownership Function and Pattern of Land Use: urbanized, farm type, grazing,
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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
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structures Minimum Site Area Requirements Building Height Limits Yard/Setback Requirements Lot Coverage: Floor-Area Ratio (FAR), Percentage of Coverage, Open
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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
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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
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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
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY TACLOBAN CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED DISCIPLINE
RESEARCH WORK I PARAMETERS OF SITE SELECTION AND ANALYSIS
PRESENTED BY: SUYOM, REXEL M. BSAR- 3B
