Site Considerations

  1. Process
  2. Getting Started
  3. Site Considerations

Having a relevant, well thought-out master site plan can be crucial to the future growth plan of your church. One of the first things we need to start the R. Messner master planning and design process is a digital copy of your site plan. This plan should show the current layout of the property and it should delineate property lines, dimensions, building setback lines, any easements, existing buildings, etc.

As soon as we have the site plan, our experienced Design Team can begin formulating preliminary master planning ideas based on your project needs/wants/budget. As we begin helping you put your vision on paper, we will evaluate and help determine proper building placement on the site, building orientation, entry/access focal points, location of driveways and parking, and space allocation for future expansion.

Here are some important site-related items to consider:

  1. Acreage - Make sure that you have enough land
  2. Shape - Site that are too skinny (or have unorthodox shape) are very limiting
  3. Topographical Issues - The "lay" of the land is more important (excessive site costs can stop a project)
  4. Soil Test - Make sure that your purchase is contingent upon a soil test
  5. Zoning - Make sure current zoning would allow a church
  6. Utilities - Verify availability
  7. Location - Make sure the location is good- consider where the town is moving/growing
  8. Access to the site - A "great" site is no so great is you can't get to it easily
  9. Environmental - Wetlands, woodlands, historical, endangered species, contamination, etc.
  1. Utility "easements" or other "easements" that could affect where/what can be built
  2. Building "setback" requirements - Setback from property lines
  3. Site drainage requirements - Storm water management, retention ponds, etc.
  4. Landscaping/green requirements - Including overall building/parking coverage restrictions
  5. Other site requirements - Certified survey, all site-related engineering, site plan submittal/ approval processes, topography, traffic reports, site access, signage requirements, other restrictions, requirements and environmental issues, etc. Other Important Items
  1. Height restrictions - Permissible variances
  2. Exterior building design restrictions - "Development" restrictions regarding the exterior of the building