Site Analysis and Utility Needs
Analysis of the potential site should be taken very early in the process.
Purchasing An Existing Building
As with the purchase of undeveloped land, when purchasing a parcel with an existing building, there are many questions that should be asked:
- How is the parcel zoned?
- Are there any wetlands onsite?
- What is the building’s history?
- Is the building expandable?
- Is there adequate parking for customers?
- Is site drainage adequate?
- Does the building contain hazardous materials such as lead paint or asbestos?
- How accessible is the parcel with respect to the road?
- Are the utilities that serve the building adequate for the proposed use?
All of the questions concerning available water, electricity, cable and internet services, or natural gas may be answered by the seller, their realtor, and/or local utility contacts, both municipal and private.
If the capacity of an on-lot water well is not known, review of well logs from the well driller or information on file at the County Health Department can assist in determining the well’s characteristics.
Determining the capacity of an existing on-lot septic system is more difficult to determine. While there may not be a history of problems with the system be aware that the proposed occupancy level of the structure may be higher than previous uses.
Specific questions to ask would include:
- When the system was installed?
- Are there any drawings outlining the system that was installed?
- When was the last time the septic tank sludge was pumped out?
- Who was the installer of the system?
The installer may be able to answer all of your questions concerning the existing system. If any uncertainty exists, your best option is to contact the County Health Department to see if any records of the system are on file.
Site Analysis and Utility Needs Topics
Land Purchase
• Purchasing An Existing Building
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