Site assessment of industrial, commercial and multi-res

Understanding site conditions first requires background review of the commercial site. Background information will help provide preliminary understanding of side conditions, scope technical investigations for the site and determine project targets.

It’s best to collect and review this information prior to conducting field reconnaissance to document site conditions. Relevant background information may include:

• Construction drawings from site and adjacent properties
• Mechanical drawings identifying rain leader piping
• Structural reports and plans (to assess greenroof suitability)
• Servicing drawings (hydro, phone, gas, cable, and other utilities)
• Grading plans
• Stormwater management and drainage reports
• Sump-pump and/or foundation drain connection information
• Local stormwater management criteria
• Hydrologic models
• Hydraulic models
• Aerial photos
• Surveys
• Local Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
• Surficial soils and geology data
• Geotechnical investigations and reports
• Relevant local policies, by-laws and standards
• Snow plow/salting operations
• Snow storage
• Smoking areas
• Neighbouring landscapes
• Company vision

Once the review of background information has taken place, conducting field reconnaissance to verify site conditions is needed. When documenting side conditions for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential sites, please note the following (but are not limited to):

• Drainage and grade
• Roof tops
• Parking Lots
  • Parking lot islands
  • Landscaping
  • Parking availability and access
  • Access, traffic, and pedestrian safety
• Building location
• Pollutions sources and opportunities for pollution prevention
• Underground utilities
• Accommodation of surface elements (such as light standards, storage areas or other items)
• Transportation requirements
• Site aesthetics
• Shipping and receiving requirements
• Spill containment plans
• Operations and maintenance capabilities
• Municipal engineering standards
• Traffic safety issues
• Pedestrian safety and accessibility
• Snow removal and fire access requirements (minimum access road width and turning radius requirements)