Certifications & Training

Community Involvement & Affiliations

LAND USE ASSESSMENTS

Due Diligence / Pre-Purchase Evaluation

Nothing can influence the value and developmental potential of a piece of property as much as the presence of jurisdictional wetlands or protected species.  Evaluating a site for the presence or absence of these resources is a critical element of any due-diligence evaluation.  Our staff has the ability to evaluate and transmit this information accurately within the timeframes required during a typical due diligence review period, and in a format that is clearly understandable and suitable for internal review or submittal as part of a formalized committee report.  Included in a typical pre-purchase type assessment is an overall evaluation of wetlands and critical habitats with the site, a summary of apparent opportunities and constraints associated with observed ecological conditions, and a discussion of the approximate costs, permitting requirements, and timing considerations of various site utilization scenarios.

Preliminary Site Plan

As a project moves along during the design phase, it is critical that the existing natural features be considered by each of the various disciplines involved in the process.  Whether these observed resources are to be avoided or impacted, a clear understanding of how each action affects the overall development program is important to the schedule and overall budget.  Lotspeich and Associates, Inc. (L&A) has provided ecological consulting services for a broad range of clientele, addressing virtually every type and magnitude of development project.  The knowledge of how our information is used and how it may influence the various other disciplines involved is a keystone to our approach.

Some projects are slated for larger land use scenarios and/or broad scale growth planning efforts.  These projects generally involve a broader overview of the study area and compilation of existing digital GIS database and other information gathered from various sources.  Environmental factors examined include not only the presence of wetlands or protected species, but also such factors as: the presence of rare upland habitats; existing and proposed conservation lands; and recorded historical and archaeological sites.  For certain projects, a specific urban wildlife corridor and green space conservation program can be assessed and/or developed. The details of such programs can be discussed at public hearings during which independent design charrettes can be convened. 

This process is especially important during the evaluation of Developments of Regional Impact (DRI's).  L&A has provided technical support for over thirty DRI's across Florida and maintains a close relationship with the Regional Planning Councils and the Department of Community Affairs.  L&A support includes all relevant sections of the ADA, agency coordination, public hearings, and review/amendment of all final conditions for the Development Order.

Final Design

Involvement in the final design phase of a project is where our 25+ years of experience, and our in-depth understanding of planning and engineering design criteria, can most readily be noted.  Being involved with the placement of roads, stormwater management ponds, and other critical design elements allows us to streamline future permitting efforts, reduce the number of re-design efforts, accelerate approval timeframes, and produce a more efficient project layout and design.  Properly incorporating natural features into the final site plans can also reduce confusion by regulators and independent parties, both of which can delay final approvals and/or require costly re-design efforts.