Development in the Peoria, Arizona, area may involve erecting new buildings on vacant land. Property owners, developers and investors may aspire to convert unused real property into profit-generating commercial facilities. Others might acquire larger parcels with the aim of establishing a residential development with new homes.
In either scenario, environmental concerns can influence the progress of the project and the long-term value of the improvements erected on vacant land. A review of environmental concerns and even professional assessments performed by outside parties are often necessary to move forward with development projects.
What types of environmental matters do real estate owners and developers typically need to address in the early stages of project development?
1. Local environmental concerns
It is common practice to contract with outside parties to conduct a preliminary assessment, followed by an in-depth site investigation before developing a project. Professionals can test soil and groundwater for potential contaminants. In some cases, their evaluation could make it clear that the proposed development could be prohibitively costly or potentially dangerous due to the presence of contaminants. In some cases, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may need to review preliminary reports to determine if development plans are safe.
2. Sustainability issues
Municipal authorities in Peoria have established sustainability programs. Building in the desert requires careful control of water use during the construction phase and planning to minimize water use and waste after the completion of construction. Developers may also need to address cooling needs and electrical use. Those hoping to develop vacant land usually need to consider long-term costs related to resource utilization and to comply with sustainability requirements. Doing so can help attract tenants or buyers in a market where environmental concern is a priority for many.
3. Wildlife concerns
In some cases, development can have damaging consequences for local wildlife. It may be necessary to partner with scientists to identify the wildlife and even rare plants near a construction site. In cases involving endangered species or plans that could significantly alter the local ecosystem, wildlife considerations may make or break a proposed development project.
Having support through every stage of a major construction project, including environmental assessments, can limit the likelihood of frustrating setbacks and investments that never come to fruition. Real estate owners and construction company leaders may benefit from retaining legal support early in the development process to better ensure compliance with the law accordingly.