Site Analysis And Selection

If you have not yet purchased, but are considering a new site for your project, this list of issues which must be addressed during site analysis and selection will be helpful.  As with every aspect of dental office design, if you aren’t already familiar and comfortable with the details, it is strongly recommended that you defer/refer to specialists, and continue what you do best – profitable dentistry.

Restraints On Building posed by Code, Legal & Regulatory Considerations:

Total lot dimensions and area.

Municipal Zoning Code (usable lot area - see Site Survey Requirements & Zoning Regulation Information).

Re-zoning or zoning variances required?

Existing trees which must be protected/preserved, signage, required public spaces; building shadow restrictions; air rights, etc.

Special interest or neighborhood group requirements?

Building Code (area, shape, height, construction type and use) adopted by state or municipality.

Local Architecture Review Board (style, finish materials and overall appearance).

Existing construction on the site (especially historical buildings).

Storm water detention/retention requirements?

Special permits required (i.e. EPA; Army Corps of Engineers 404)?

Deferred assessments for improvements (i.e. sidewalk, bus stop) and/or utilities?

Codes, Covenants & Restrictions attached to Deed?

Mineral rights and/or existing timber leases?

Site Considerations:

Visibility and views.

Traffic count (including periodic or chronic traffic congestion) and speed limit.

Nearby public parking.

Public transportation routes and stops.

Existing utility locations; and energy source availability (i.e. fuel gas).

Subjective Market Review of Location/Site:

Actual cost of parcel.

Nearby competition.

Soils (see Subsurface Soils Investigation document).

Oversize parcel; multiple development on same parcel.

Point of entry from public street; common access drives, parking.

Other items that may affect your site development such as structures or fences very near your site or parking lot encroachment by neighboring business patrons.

Parking overflow issues from or to your site.

Social & economic demographics.

Aesthetics of neighborhood and area property improvements; projected growth corridor.

Views & solar orientation.

Public transportation.

Distance to referral (from or to GP or dental specialists) and support services (i.e. production lab, specialty imaging, hospital emergency room and/or surgery).

Security (i.e. local crime rate, police & fire response time).

Possible retroactive or future ordinances (i.e. rent or use controls)?

Other potentially negative environmental factors that must be dealt with in the design:

Noise sources.

Reflected sunlight and glare.

Odors, smoke, and wind currents.

Ground moisture and/or drainage onto the site.

Shadows on the site.

Neighboring visual clutter and/or night lighting.

Overhead utility lines; underground pipeline crossings; easements for future utilities.

Possible future street dedication and/or dividing medians.

Condominiumization of site or building.

Climate/microclimate.