Land Acquisition

Feasibility/Planning & Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Commission is a council- appointed board that reviews the Future Use Land Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and analyzes matters that affect the development of the city.

City Council

City councils typically control zoning, which are local laws that regulate how land can be used in certain areas. Zoning laws can limit commercial or industrial use in residential areas or regulate the size of buildings and open spaces. City councils may also appoint planning and zoning commissions to advise them on land use development and regulation. These commissions often work with professional planning staff to review zoning ordinances and land use plans, and make recommendations to the city council.

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Phase 1

During ESA Phase 1, an environmental professional investigates whether or not there are hazardous materials present within the soil or in the groundwater beneath the site. These hazardous materials may include any substances which may be harmful to humans or to the environment. This is a nonintrusive investigation which relies on existing records, site observation and interviews. No physical samples are taken during this time.

Preliminary Soils Report

A preliminary soils report gives general descriptions of the topography and geology of a project location. Civil engineers, architectural consultants, structural consultants and contractors use this report to assess the land before any excavation is done there.

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Phase 2

ESA Phase 2 involves intrusive testing methods which are used to determine whether or not hazardous materials are indeed present in the soil or groundwater. These methods include soil and groundwater sampling, laboratory testing and interior inspections (when necessary).

Biological Survey Report

The purpose of this report is to identify sensitive and/or endangered plant and animal species- both in and around the project site. Environmental professionals can also determine whether any water on the land can be classified as a natural wetland.