Site Selection

One of the biggest potential problems with developing vacant land in the Midwest, and especially in Michigan can be the existence of regulated wetlands, inland lakes, or streams. Evaluating property for appropriate development is part of the site selection process and due diligence for any developer. If LEED Certification is to be sought for a new construction project, understanding the evaluation criteria for the Prequalification Site Selection Credit is imperative.

The thing I found interesting is that any land intended for development must not be within 50 feet of any open water, or 100 feet of any wetlands as defined by the United States Code of Regulations 40 CFR, Parts 230-233, and Part 22. Furthermore, the land cannot contain any isolated wetlands ore areas of special concern as identified by state or local rule, OR is less than minimum isolation distances given in state or local regulations as defined by local or state rules, whichever is greater. Michigan is one of only 3 states in the country that has established its own agency to administer the United States Code of Regulations governing these natural features, and the current trend for local municipalities is to establish rules and regulations typically more stringent than Federal and State Code.

Finding suitable vacant land to develop absent these natural features, especially wetlands, is darn near impossible. While it's not forbidden to develop these properties, the LEED program discourages it. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the impact to natural features and develop a site that beneficially modifies the physical environment and creates permanent sustainability.

Let us know if you have a site that requires evaluation for a LEED Certified project.