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

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

Analysis, Cultural Research Overview, Preliminary Site Assessment,

CATEX/EA/EIS Reports.

Note: CATEX-Categorical Exclusion; EA-Environmental Assessment, EIS-

Environmental 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.

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
- 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

 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