We are in feasibility stage of getting a property, doing wetlands studies, perc testing etc. I was wondering once we acquire the property which will be about 7 acres of usable space (60 total)…would it be best to clear the area we want to build first or should we have it designed first. the 7 acres was cleared 5 years ago but is now far too overgrown to easily traverse. It seems like it would be hard to design without clearing first but wanted to get thoughts from those more experienced.
Hello, adamjordan7. Are you going to clear the entire 7 acres of uplands? From your question it sounds as though you are buying 60 acres total with about 7 acres of usable uplands. Most states have restrictions on what you can and can not do in wetlands. Most states you will need special permit to clear or develop wetlands, fill and or dredge wetlands, etc. Also when you develop wetlands you will need mitigation which often times includes purchasing wetland mitigation credits from a regional mitigation bank. During your feasibility study you will definitely need a current wetland study/ delineation of the property to ensure proper site design in that you do not disturb wetlands. Most of the time land clearing will commence just prior to construction after site and home design is complete. I would suggest getting a topo survey with the boundary survey. This will give you the lay of the land without clearing. Your designer/ architect will use your surveys/ wetland study to do proper site design.
I would acquire the wetland study, get a current boundary with topo survey. I would give your wetland study to the surveyors, that will help them to show the wetlands on your survey. I would avoid disturbing wetlands, but sometimes that is unavoidable. Who ever does your wetland study shouldl be able to help with and or acquire any wetland permits you may need from your jurisdiction if you need to develop any wetlands on your property.
I do apologize for being winded, in a nutshell the design will come first before any clearing.
We align with Hardman Homes LLC. With over 35 years of design experience, we prioritize project design before property clearance. This is crucial because over-clearing the property is unnecessary and the loss of vegetation may affect the views. However, this may change if you are in a high fire zone, in which case property clearance may be required.