GUIDE 06 - 2027 EDITION
Site Feasibility Scorecard in TX, NC, and FL
Texas, Florida & North Carolina (2027)
Score a property before you buy. Answer 10 yes/no questions for your state; each "yes" earns weighted points, and the total out of 86 shows how feasible the site is.
QUESTIONS
10
MAX POINTS
86
STATES
3
Important Note: The information in these guides is for general reference only. A licensed Professional Engineer should review any actual design or construction work. JRH Engineering assumes no responsibility for the application or use of these materials.
TX - 2027
Site feasibility scorecard in Texas
The Texas scorecard asks 10 yes/no questions weighted to a maximum of 86 points. The highest-weighted questions (10 points each) ask: Is the lot size at least 5000 sq ft (or per local code); Is the property zoned for your intended use; Are utilities (water, sewer, power) available; Is the site outside the 100-year floodplain? (Consider 500-year where required); Do you have clear title and current survey. Scoring bands: 70+ Highly Feasible; 50-69 Feasible with adjustments; <50 Major challenges.
Question Number | Question | Yes Points | No Points | Actual Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Is the lot size at least 5000 sq ft (or per local code)? | 10 | 0 | ||
2 | Is the property zoned for your intended use? | 10 | 0 | ||
3 | Is the soil classified as stable (not highly expansive)? | 8 | 0 | Geotech report recommended | |
4 | Are utilities (water, sewer, power) available? | 10 | 0 | ||
5 | Is the site outside the 100-year floodplain? (Consider 500-year where required) | 10 | 0 | 2027 IBC trend | |
6 | Are there no known easements blocking building area? | 8 | 0 | ||
7 | Is driveway access possible without TxDOT permit? | 6 | 0 | ||
8 | Are there no protected trees requiring mitigation? | 6 | 0 | ||
9 | Is the site slope less than 15%? | 8 | 0 | ||
10 | Do you have clear title and current survey? | 10 | 0 |
01
Fill Actual Points column. Flood question updated for emerging 500-year considerations. JRH can complete full feasibility studies.
Updated 2027 • Score out of 86 • 70+ Highly Feasible • 50-69 Feasible with adjustments • <50 Major challenges
Texas notes & assumptions
FL - 2027
Site feasibility scorecard in Florida
The Florida scorecard asks 10 yes/no questions weighted to a maximum of 86 points. The highest-weighted questions (10 points each) ask: Is the lot size at least 1 acre or per county code; Is the site above base flood elevation; Are there no protected species (gopher tortoise, scrub jay); Are utilities or concurrency reservation available; Do you have current survey and elevation certificate.
Question Number | Question | Yes Points | No Points | Actual Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Is the lot size at least 1 acre or per county code? | 10 | 0 | ||
2 | Is the property outside HVHZ if using standard construction? | 8 | 0 | HVHZ requires higher standards | |
3 | Is the site above base flood elevation? | 10 | 0 | ||
4 | Are there no protected species (gopher tortoise, scrub jay)? | 10 | 0 | ||
5 | Are utilities or concurrency reservation available? | 10 | 0 | ||
6 | Is the site outside coastal construction control line? | 8 | 0 | ||
7 | Are there no mangrove or wetland impacts? | 8 | 0 | ||
8 | Is driveway access possible without FDOT permit? | 6 | 0 | ||
9 | Are there no HOA or deed restrictions blocking project? | 6 | 0 | ||
10 | Do you have current survey and elevation certificate? | 10 | 0 |
Updated 2027 • FBC 9th Edition considerations • Score out of 86
Florida notes & assumptions
01
HVHZ and coastal rules critical under 9th Edition. JRH performs full site feasibility including environmental screens.
NC - 2027
Site feasibility scorecard in North Carolina
The North Carolina scorecard asks 10 yes/no questions weighted to a maximum of 86 points. The highest-weighted questions (10 points each) ask: Is the lot size at least 5000 sq ft or per local ordinance; Is the property zoned for your intended use; Does the site have approved septic/perc test (if no sewer); Are utilities available or capacity letter obtained; Do you have current survey and title.
Question Number | Question | Yes Points | No Points | Actual Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Is the lot size at least 5000 sq ft or per local ordinance? | 10 | 0 | ||
2 | Is the property zoned for your intended use? | 10 | 0 | ||
3 | Does the site have approved septic/perc test (if no sewer)? | 10 | 0 | Critical in many rural areas | |
4 | Are utilities available or capacity letter obtained? | 10 | 0 | ||
5 | Is the site outside protected watershed critical area? | 8 | 0 | Jordan/Falls rules | |
6 | Are there no riparian buffers or wetlands? | 8 | 0 | ||
7 | Is slope less than 20%? | 8 | 0 | ||
8 | Are there no historic or archaeological restrictions? | 6 | 0 | ||
9 | Is traffic impact below county threshold? | 6 | 0 | ||
10 | Do you have current survey and title? | 10 | 0 |
01
Watershed critical areas and septic capacity are frequent deal-breakers. JRH coordinates full due diligence.
Updated 2027 • Watershed and septic remain high-weight items • Score out of 86
North Carolina notes & assumptions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I score a site’s feasibility in Texas before buying land?
The Texas scorecard asks 10 yes/no questions weighted to a maximum of 86 points. The highest-weighted questions (10 points each) ask: Is the lot size at least 5000 sq ft (or per local code); Is the property zoned for your intended use; Are utilities (water, sewer, power) available; Is the site outside the 100-year floodplain? (Consider 500-year where required); Do you have clear title and current survey. Scoring bands: 70+ Highly Feasible; 50-69 Feasible with adjustments; <50 Major challenges.
How do I score a site’s feasibility in Florida before buying land?
The Florida scorecard asks 10 yes/no questions weighted to a maximum of 86 points. The highest-weighted questions (10 points each) ask: Is the lot size at least 1 acre or per county code; Is the site above base flood elevation; Are there no protected species (gopher tortoise, scrub jay); Are utilities or concurrency reservation available; Do you have current survey and elevation certificate.
How do I score a site’s feasibility in North Carolina before buying land?
The North Carolina scorecard asks 10 yes/no questions weighted to a maximum of 86 points. The highest-weighted questions (10 points each) ask: Is the lot size at least 5000 sq ft or per local ordinance; Is the property zoned for your intended use; Does the site have approved septic/perc test (if no sewer); Are utilities available or capacity letter obtained; Do you have current survey and title.
How current is this guide?
This guide was updated in October 2026 for 2027. Construction costs are uplifted roughly 4% from the 2026 baseline, and references reflect ASCE 7-22 and, for Florida, the Florida Building Code 9th Edition (effective December 31, 2026).
Can I use this guide for my specific project?
No. These figures are general reference ranges, not engineering advice. Always verify current local codes, fee schedules, design criteria and site conditions with the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and contact JRH Engineering for project-specific sealed designs, estimates and permit packages.
Disclaimer: These guides are for general reference only and are not engineering advice for any specific project. Verify current local codes, fee schedules and site conditions with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Proprietary reference material of JRH Engineering. Free for personal and professional use with attribution. Commercial redistribution prohibited without written permission.