Why Including A Civil Engineer Is Critical For Turning Land Into Opportunity During The Due Diligence Process

Built To Rent

When it comes to site development in Central Florida — especially in Orlando and Tampa — timing is everything. Too often, developers fall in love with a property before understanding what’s beneath the surface.

The result? Unforeseen infrastructure challenges, zoning hurdles, and costly redesigns that could have been prevented with early engineering input.

At JRH Engineering and Environmental Services, we’ve seen it all — from projects that move smoothly because a civil engineer was involved early, to those that stall due to overlooked site constraints or zoning limitations.

Why Early Involvement Matters

A civil engineer’s role during site selection is about much more than drafting plans. It’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your project remains feasible — both technically and financially.

By performing a site feasibility review during the due diligence process, we help identify potential red flags and opportunities before you close on the property.

Common Site and Zoning Challenges We Help Identify Early

• Utility Capacity: Is there enough water, sewer, and storm infrastructure to support your project?

• Infrastructure Extensions: Will you need to extend or upgrade public utilities or roadways to reach your site?

• Environmental Constraints: Are there wetlands, protected species, or mitigation requirements that could delay your timeline or add cost?

• Stormwater Management: Does your site have enough space for a detention pond, or will underground storage be required?

• Floodplain Regulations: Is the site in a floodplain that could affect grading, building elevations, or permitting?

• Site Planning & Zoning: Is the site zoned for your intended use, or will a rezoning or variance be required? Does the site layout allow for efficient building placement, parking, access, and stormwater management?

Each of these factors can significantly impact your construction budget, project schedule, and even your ability to build what you envisioned. Early insight allows your team to make informed decisions and negotiate from a position of strength during land acquisition.

Start with a Civil Engineering Feasibility Review

We highly recommend scheduling a site civil engineering feasibility review at the same time you’re working with your commercial broker. This proactive step ensures your project’s goals align with the site’s actual potential — before you invest in land that may require extensive improvements, rezoning, or infrastructure extensions.

At JRH Engineering and Environmental Services, our goal is simple:To help developers make confident, informed decisions that keep projects on track — from concept to completion.

Learn more about our site planning, and civil engineering at www.jrhengineering.net