Site design services are typically the lead component of a development proposal. These services set the stage for the development project by analyzing zoning, site features and setting. These parameters are necessary for laying out conceptual residential, commercial and other land uses before hard lining development proposals. When providing site design services the lead design professional frequently leads the approvals process through the local and SEQR review. Landscape plans supplement this effort as a component of the site engineering plans.

Landscape and Site Design Services include:

• Zoning analysis
• Analysis of site features and setting
• Residential subdivisions and site designs
• Commercial site designs
• Park and open space design
• Landscape plans
• Construction cost estimates
• Presentation drawings

Other related services include storm basin and wetland remediation planting plans, buffer planting plans and habitat enhancement programs.

Zoning Analysis

• Identify and analyze zoning parameters for development.
• Determine necessary local approvals such as site plan, subdivision, special permit, and/or variance(s).
• Graphically illustrate setbacks, buffers and other constraints.

Analysis of Site Features and Setting

• Identify and analyze environmental constraints such as steep slopes, wetlands, water courses and vegetation.
• Consider community attributes such as schools, recreation services, and emergency services.
• Analyze area road network and identify optimal site access points.

Residential Subdivisions and Site Design

• Layout single family subdivisions including roads, lots, homes, driveways, decks and patios.
• Layout multifamily site plans including roads, buildings, community centers, recreation facilities and open space..
• Analyze layouts that optimize conservation of natural resources.
• Identify important views.
• Design for energy conservation.

Commercial Site Designs

• Analyze area road network and identify optimal site access points.
• Layout roads, parking and building footprints.
• Design roadway, parking lot and buffer plantings.

Open Space Design

• Design passive and active uses for open space set asides including community centers, playgrounds, pools and playfields.

Landscape Plans

• Layout street tree, buffer and storm basin plantings.
• Design individual building planting plans.
• Design entrance features using plants, stone walls, fencing, lighting, and water features.
• Layout lighting plans and specify fixtures, wattage and lumen  contours.
• Specify naturalistic area plantings including native grasses, wildflowers, shrub and tree species.

Construction Estimates

• Prepare construction cost estimates for plant material installations.

Presentations and Presentation Materials

• Prepare presentation drawings and elevations.
• Prepare photo simulations of proposed developments.
• Present development proposals to boards and the general public.

Master Plan Studies

• Analyze existing natural and cultural resources.
• Analyze existing land use plan and development related ordinances.
• Assess current growth trends and patterns.
• Assess impact of recent and ongoing development.
• Assess existing infrastructure and supporting natural resources (roads, sewerage, public water supply, groundwater supplies, etc.).
• Make recommendations for changes to existing land use plans and development ordinances (zoning, subdivision, etc.).
• Make recommendations for creation of or changes to slopes ordinance, wetlands ordinance, etc.