SITE PLANNING

Site planning is a major element of Parsons master planning and design services. It is a process that follows a logical sequence of actions or events to arrive at a viable solution. Our multidisciplinary problem-solving methodologies often involve architects, landscape architects, engineers, and physical scientists.

The site plan establishes the basis for subsequent work. It describes the region and vicinity of the proposed development, identifies and defines the general characteristics of the project site, reviews public policy for the site area, and defines the client's goals and objectives for the development.

Parsons performs detailed site surveys to evaluate the physical characteristics of the site, natural features, climate, views, transportation, and accessibility. We conduct physical studies to consider engineering, infrastructure availability and requirements, ecological issues, historic resources, vegetation resources, wildlife resources, marine resources, water quality, oceanography, alternative land uses, circulation patterns, and cost matters. The overall land-use plan, as well as specific site and facility plans, describe the proposed on and offsite improvements.

The site and surrounding region require intensive environmental assessment, and the master planning and design phases require environmental planning and mitigation program expertise to meet the rigorous standards set by many regulatory agencies.

Elements of Parsons site planning services include:

• Existing conditions assessments
• Topography and geographic information service mapping
• Geology and soils analysis
• Vegetation characterization
• Hydrology and drainage planning
• Microclimate definition
• Existing structures and infrastructure siting
• Legal constraints investigations such as rights-of-way and easements

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