Site Feasibility Scorecards: Engineers Drive Success in TX, NC & FL

Site feasibility analysis stands as one of the most critical phases in any real estate

development project. For developers, contractors, government agencies, and property

owners in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, understanding whether a property can be

realistically developed—and at what cost—determines project viability before signicant

capital investment. This is precisely where site feasibility scorecards become invaluable.

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is the premier provider of Civil

Engineering and Structural Engineering Design Solutions in the states of Texas, North

Carolina, and Florida. Our comprehensive feasibility analysis services help clients make

informed decisions backed by professional engineering expertise, regulatory knowledge,

and over 25 years of combined experience.

When you partner with JRH, you're not just getting an assessment—you're getting a

roadmap. Our approach is built on our core promise: "Done Quickly. Done Right. And for

the Best Value.

Why Site Feasibility Scorecards Matter for Your

Development Project

Understanding Project Viability Before Investing

Before committing substantial resources to a development project, stakeholders must

understand what a property can realistically support. Site feasibility scorecards provide a

standardized, quantiable framework for evaluating development potential. These

assessment tools answer the fundamental questions developers face:

Questions Answered by Comprehensive Feasibility Analysis:

1. Can I build what I envision on this site?

2. What regulatory and environmental barriers exist?

3. What will compliance and permitting realistically cost?

4. How long will the process take?

5. Are utilities and infrastructure available?

6. What soil and foundation conditions should I expect?

7. Are there protected species or wetland constraints?

8. Is the property zoned appropriately for my intended use?

9. What are the trac and access implications?

10. What other hidden issues might derail the project?

The Three-State Approach: Texas, North Carolina, and Florida Dierences

Development feasibility isn't one-size-ts-all. Each state—and each jurisdiction within those

states—brings unique regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and

infrastructure availability. This complexity is exactly why professional civil and structural

engineering consultation matters.

Key Differences Across JRH's Service Areas:

Texas: Soil stability concerns, oodplain evaluation, TxDOT permitting

requirements for driveway access, protected species considerations in specic

regions, and diverse zoning ordinances across Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio,

Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and Galveston Bay

North Carolina: Slope requirements, watershed critical area protections,

septic/sewer system design standards, archaeological and historic site restrictions,

and jurisdictional variances across Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham,

Winston-Salem, and statewide

Florida: Elevation and ood considerations (1 acre minimum lot size vs. 5,000 sq ft

in other states), coastal construction control line restrictions, protected species like

gopher tortoise and scrub jay, HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) standards, and

unique challenges across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and

all districts

When you work with JRH's civil engineering services, you benet from engineers who

understand these regional nuances intimately.

Understanding the Scorecard Evaluation Process

What Do Site Feasibility Scorecards Measure?

Site feasibility scorecards function as structured evaluation matrices, scoring properties

across multiple criteria relevant to development potential. The scorecards provided by

development authorities in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida all evaluate core feasibility

indicators, though the specic criteria and point values vary by state and municipality.

Common Evaluation Criteria Across All Three States:

1. Lot size requirements – Meeting minimum acreage or square footage per local code

2. Zoning compliance – Property zone match with intended use

3. Utilities availability – Water , sewer , electrical access or capacity

4. Environmental permits – Septic systems, sewer approval, environmental assessment

5. Site elevation and ooding – Above base ood elevation, oodplain status

6. Easements and deed restrictions – Clear title, no blocking restrictions

7. Access and driveway feasibility – Road frontage adequacy, agency permitsrequired

8. Protected species and sensitive areas – Gopher tortoise, scrub jay, wetlands,riparian buers

9. Historic or archaeological restrictions – Site eligibility and compliance needs

10. Professional surveys and certications – Current surveys, elevations, title documentation

How Scoring Works: From Data Points to Development Decisions

Most feasibility scorecards operate on a cumulative point system:

• 70+ points: Highly Feasible (project can likely proceed with standard approvals)

• 50–69 points: Feasible with Adjustments (modifications, special permits, or cost increases needed)

• Below 50 points: Major Challenges (project may require significant redesign or site abandonment)

Critical Finding: A single "No" answer on a high-value question such as protected species conflicts or critical infrastructure gaps can shift a project from feasible to requiring major engineering solutions.​

The Role of Professional Engineers in Scorecard Interpretation

This is where professional civil and structural engineers become invaluable. Raw scorecard results don't tell the whole story. An experienced engineer interprets results within context by:

• Identifying mitigation strategies that might improve feasibility scores

• Estimating cost implications of each constraint

• Sequencing approvals in the most efficient order

• Recommending alternative designs that work within constraints

• Accelerating timelines by proactively addressing the highest-risk factors

JRH's land development design services specifically include comprehensive feasibility analysis that goes beyond scoring to provide actionable development strategies.

State-Specific Requirements: Deep Dives into Texas, North Carolina, and Florida

Florida Site Feasibility Scorecard: Unique Coastal and Environmental Priorities

Florida's feasibility framework reflects its unique coastal, environmental, and hurricane-prone context. The Florida Site Feasibility Scorecard 2026 emphasizes critical environmental and structural factors.​

JRH's Florida Expertise: Our structural engineering services include windstorm engineering design specifically for HVHZ compliance. Our environmental engineering capabilities address gopher tortoise, scrub jay, and wetland questions that often derail projects. We maintain deep relationships with Florida permitting agencies across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and statewide jurisdictions.

Texas Site Feasibility Scorecard: Soil Stability and Infrastructure Focus

Texas feasibility scorecards prioritize buildability factors: soil stability, floodplain management, utility infrastructure, and access permitting.

JRH's Texas Expertise: We provide foundation engineering design services specifically addressing expansive soils—a uniquely Texas challenge. Our geotechnical partnerships, stormwater compliance design expertise, and established relationships with TxDOT and local municipalities across Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and Galveston Bay ensure streamlined permitting and compliance.

North Carolina Site Feasibility Scorecard: Slope and Watershed Protection

North Carolina's feasibility framework reflects Appalachian and Piedmont topography combined with stringent watershed protection.

JRH's North Carolina Expertise: Our civil engineering services include slope analysis, infiltration trench design, retention/detention pond design, and stormwater compliance—all critical for North Carolina feasibility. We have deep expertise serving Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, and statewide jurisdictions, with established permitting relationships and watershed-specific knowledge.

Common Development Challenges and Engineering Solutions

Challenge 1: Protected Species Blocking Development (Florida Focus)

The Problem: Gopher tortoise or scrub jay habitat presence can lead to project denial or require expensive habitat mitigation strategies costing $50,000–$200,000+.​

Engineering Solution:

• Retain experienced environmental consultants early to conduct species surveys

• Explore habitat creation or relocation programs in partnership with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

• Design site layouts that avoid critical habitat areas while maintaining project viability

• Budget for mitigation before project commitment

JRH's Advantage: Our environmental engineering services include jurisdictional wetland and compliance expertise, ensuring protected species concerns are identified and addressed in feasibility analysis rather than during permitting.

Challenge 2: Expansive Soils Demanding Special Foundations (Texas Focus)

The Problem: Expansive clay soils in Dallas, Houston, and Central Texas cause foundation movement, structural cracking, and costly remediation if not designed for during initial construction.​

Engineering Solution:

• Commission geotechnical investigation early ($1,500–$3,500)

• Design foundations with appropriate depth, reinforcement, and moisture barriers for soil expansion potential

• Implement moisture management (drainage systems, slope management)

• Specify post-tensioned slab or pier-and-beam foundations as appropriate

• Include construction specifications addressing soil preparation and fill requirements

JRH's Advantage: Our foundation engineering design services specifically address expansive soil conditions across Texas. We partner with certified geotechnical engineers to deliver designs that prevent costly future failures.

Challenge 3: Floodplain Elevation Requirements Increasing Costs (Multi-State)

The Problem: Properties in or near 100-year floodplains require elevation above base flood elevation (BFE), adding $15,000–$50,000+ per structure through fill, pilings, or elevated construction.​

Engineering Solution:

• Obtain detailed elevation survey and BFE determination early

• Explore fill vs. piling vs. elevated construction options for cost-benefit analysis

• Coordinate with local floodplain administrators to confirm elevation requirements

• Design grading and drainage to manage site runoff without increasing neighbor flooding

• Budget elevation costs into project feasibility modeling

JRH's Advantage: Our grading plan design, stormwater compliance design, and retention/detention pond design services ensure efficient, compliant approaches to floodplain challenges. We maintain relationships with floodplain administrators across all three states.

Challenge 4: Inadequate Utility Infrastructure

The Problem: Properties in growth areas may lack sewer capacity, water pressure issues, or electrical service—delays or re-routing costs can reach $50,000–$250,000+.

Engineering Solution:

• Request utility capacity letters from providers early (not just during design phase)

• Explore infrastructure improvement districts or developer-funded upgrades if needed

• Design site utility layout efficiently to minimize extension costs

• Coordinate with utility providers on timeline and requirements

• Budget utility costs into feasibility analysis

JRH's Advantage: Our site utility design services and land development expertise include utility coordination across Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. We know which jurisdictions have capacity issues and which require proactive coordination.

Challenge 5: Slope or Grading Constraints Reducing Buildable Area

The Problem: Steep slopes reduce buildable area or require expensive retaining walls; inadequate drainage requires detention ponds consuming valuable land.

Engineering Solution:

• Conduct topographic survey early ($800–$2,000)

• Explore site design alternatives that work with natural topography

• Design terracing, retaining walls, or cut-and-fill strategies that maximize usable area

• Integrate stormwater management creatively (bioretention areas, green infrastructure)

• Use grading efficiency to reduce detention pond size

JRH's Advantage: Our grading plan design and stormwater expertise turn topographic challenges into design opportunities. Creative grading and stormwater solutions can recover 5–15% additional usable area.

How Professional Engineers Save Time and Money

Feasibility Analysis as Risk Mitigation

The single best return-on-investment in real estate development is commissioning professional feasibility analysis before major capital commitment. Here's the math:

Typical Feasibility Analysis Cost: $2,000–$5,000

Value Delivered:

• Identifies deal-breaking constraints before land acquisition

• Reveals hidden costs (permits, infrastructure improvements, mitigation strategies)

• Prevents costly design revisions after substantial engineering investment

• Accelerates approval timelines through proactive regulatory coordination

• Avoids "surprise" permit denials requiring site redesign

Real-World Impact: A $5,000 feasibility analysis that identifies expansive soil conditions prompting appropriate foundation design prevents $20,000–$50,000 in structural repairs 5–10 years post-construction. A feasibility study catching protected species habitat before property purchase saves potential project abandonment or $100,000–$200,000+ in mitigation costs.​

Timeline Acceleration Through Expert Navigation

Professional engineers understand permitting sequences, regulatory timelines, and approval pathways that can reduce project schedule by 2–6 months:

How JRH Accelerates Timelines:

1. Proactive coordination with permitting authorities to pre-identify constraints

2. Parallel approval processing (environmental, structural, utility permits simultaneously rather than sequentially)

3. Established relationships with reviewing agencies across Texas, North Carolina, and Florida

4. Regulatory expertise preventing submission errors that trigger re-reviews

5. Alternative design strategies that maintain project viability while solving regulatory barriers

Contact JRH for a free consultation to discuss how our expertise can accelerate your project timeline.

Cost Optimization Without Quality Compromise

Our core promise—"Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value"—reflects genuine commitment to cost efficiency:

Value-Engineering Strategies JRH Employs:

• Recommending simpler, less expensive approaches when they meet all functional and regulatory requirements

• Right-sizing infrastructure to eliminate over-engineering waste

• Efficient site design that reduces permitting complexity

• Strategic material and construction method selection that maintains durability while controlling cost

• Transparent cost communication ensuring clients understand where money is spent and why

We genuinely believe developers, contractors, and property owners should get excellent engineering without unnecessary expense.

Why Choose JRH Engineering for Your Feasibility Analysis

Proven Track Record Across Texas, North Carolina, and Florida

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services brings over 25 years of combined experience delivering civil, structural, and environmental engineering solutions across three states:

Texas Expertise:

• Successful projects in Houston, Dallas, Beaumont, Galveston Bay, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi

• Deep understanding of regional soil conditions, floodplain management, and municipal permitting

• Established relationships with city/county planning departments and utility providers

North Carolina Expansion:

• Excellence in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, and statewide

• Expertise in slope management, watershed protection, and North Carolina-specific permitting

• Growing portfolio of successful feasibility analyses and development projects

Florida Growth:

• Recent expansion delivering specialized solutions throughout Florida

• Expertise in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and all districts

• HVHZ windstorm engineering, protected species coordination, and coastal compliance

Communication and Transparency as Core Values

One of JRH's defining characteristics is our commitment to clear, prompt communication:

How We Keep Projects on Track:

• Regular updates at every project phase

• Quick response to client inquiries (typically same-day response)

• Clear explanation of technical findings in practical language

• Transparency about constraints, costs, and realistic timelines

• Partnership approach treating your success as our success

Next Steps: Evaluating Your Property for Development Potential

Step 1: Gather Initial Property Information

Before contacting an engineer, assemble basic property details:

• Property address and county/municipality

• Approximate acreage or lot size

• Intended use (residential, commercial, industrial)

• Zoning or preliminary research on zoning

• Any known title issues or easements

• Recent survey or plat map (if available)

• Photos of site and surrounding area

Step 2: Contact JRH for Initial Consultation

Contact JRH Engineering for a free consultation. During this conversation, we'll discuss:

• Your development vision and project goals

• Initial property constraints and opportunities

• Preliminary feasibility assessment based on location and property characteristics

• Recommended next steps (desktop analysis vs. full feasibility study)

• Timeline and cost expectations

Step 3: Commission Formal Feasibility Analysis

If initial consultation indicates project viability, authorize formal feasibility study typically including:

• Regulatory and zoning review

• Utility availability and capacity verification

• Environmental and protected species assessment

• Topography and grading feasibility

• Concept site design sketches

• Estimated infrastructure costs

• Risk analysis and mitigation strategies

• Written report with clear feasibility determination

Typical Timeline: 5–10 business days

Typical Cost: $2,000–$5,000 (varies by property size and complexity)

Step 4: Strategic Planning Based on Findings

Based on feasibility findings, JRH helps you:

• Refine site design to optimize feasibility score

• Budget for necessary permits and infrastructure improvements

• Sequence approvals in most efficient order

• Identify regulatory contacts and presentation strategies

• Plan construction approach addressing identified constraints

The Complete Scorecard System: How Texas, North Carolina, and Florida Compare

Scorecard Comparison

All three states evaluate feasibility through 86-point scoring systems. However, specific criteria and values differ significantly:

Florida Site Feasibility Scorecard 2026 Highlights:

• Emphasizes minimum lot size (1 acre), flood elevation, protected species, utilities, and current surveys

• Coastal construction control clearance valued at 8 points

• No separate soil stability scoring (different regulatory approach)

• Total of 86 points; 70+ = Highly Feasible

Texas Site Feasibility Scorecard 2026 Highlights:

• Emphasizes soil stability (8 points for stable soils, not expansive)

• TxDOT driveway access permitting critical (6 points)

• No protected species scoring (regulated separately)

• Total of 86 points; 70+ = Highly Feasible

North Carolina Site Feasibility Scorecard 2026 Highlights:

• Emphasizes slope compliance (8 points for less than 20%)

• Watershed critical area protection (8 points)

• Archaeological restrictions (6 points)

• Septic/sewer system design (10 points)

• Total of 86 points; 70+ = Highly Feasible

Key Takeaway

Despite state-to-state variations, all three jurisdictions score projects out of 86 points, with 70+ indicating high feasibility. However, the specific constraints and point values differ dramatically based on each state's unique environmental, regulatory, and infrastructure contexts.​

Professional engineering guidance helps navigate these differences efficiently.

Conclusion: Make Confident Development Decisions with Professional Feasibility Analysis

Site feasibility scorecards transform subjective development decisions into objective, data-driven assessments. Whether you're a developer evaluating acquisition targets, a contractor assessing bid opportunities, a property owner exploring development potential, or a government agency streamlining review processes, professional feasibility analysis delivers clarity and confidence.

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is the premier provider of Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering Design Solutions in the states of Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. Our commitment to "Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value" drives every feasibility analysis we undertake.

Why Feasibility Analysis Through JRH Matters

• Texas expertise addressing expansive soils, floodplain management, TxDOT coordination across Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and Galveston Bay

• North Carolina proficiency navigating slope requirements, watershed protection, septic challenges across Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, and statewide

• Florida specialization mastering protected species, HVHZ compliance, coastal construction across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and all districts

• Integrated civil, structural, and environmental expertise eliminating consultant juggling

• Transparent communication keeping projects on track from feasibility through completion

• Proven track record delivering successful projects across all three states for 25+ years

• Woman-owned business certification serving government and private sector clients

References

• Property Institute of New Zealand. (2024). Feasibility Studies: A Framework for Real Estate Development Viability Analysis. PINZ Professional Guidance.​

• Cogswell Surveys. (2025). Development Feasibility Study Framework for Property Assessment. Cogswell Professional Services.​

• MFN Consulting. (2025). Feasibility Study for Property Development: Comprehensive Frameworks and Best Practices. MFN Professional Services.​

• EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). (2023). SMART Scorecard for Development Projects. EPA Smart Growth Program.​

• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). (2020). Valuation of Development Property (1st ed.). RICS Global Standards.​

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2025). Coastal Construction Control Line Regulations and HVHZ Compliance. FDEP Coastal Management Program.​

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