INTRODUCTION

The land development process follows a logical sequence of steps from feasibility and site analysis through design and permitting and, finally, to construction. Each step results in an end product or deliverable that supports the next step in the land development process. Each step and resulting deliverable is addressed in detail in Chapters 2 through 34.

As illustrated in Figure 28.1, the land development process ultimately results in the construction of the project. It is important to recognize, even during the early planning and design steps, that after the construction is complete the project will need to be maintained and managed. This demands that the planning and design professionals give proper consideration and weight to minimizing the project impacts to the environmental, operational, and life cycle costs. This may include using low-impact development (LID) techniques, adhering to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED criteria or other green building guidelines, or following other environmentally sound design strategies.

For a project to be successful, the design, including details, standards, quality, and performance criteria, must be fully and properly communicated to the construction contractor. This is done through the project construction and contract documents.

The composition of construction documents has evolved over time; however, the primary goal communication of the project design and owner requirements to the builder or contractor has remained constant. Going back to ancient times, this was typically accomplished through drawings supplemented with written words (or specifications). Today, drawings and specifications together with a legal agreement constitute...