​Feasibility Study – Pennsylvania

Before investing in land development, scheduling a feasibility study will ensure your land is viable. A feasibility study is the result of the evaluation of all physical, commercial, social, and environmental factors that make up a piece of land to determine if that land is viable and best suited for an intended purpose. At First Capital Engineering, our expert will guide you through the process, helping you understand the purpose, components, and benefits of a feasibility study. 

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    What are the Components of a Land Development Feasibility Study

    A feasibility study identifies potential components/challenges a parcel of land may face, allowing developers to address issues face-on in the beginning stages. By scheduling a feasibility study, you ensure a smoother project, avoiding the need for contingency plans to be put in place.

    Challenges

    Understanding the challenges associated with a parcel of land is critical, particularly in Pennsylvania, where simple factors such as weather can play a significant role in the outcome of a project. These factors can lead to unnecessary delays in planning. Possible challenges include those from the physical environment and the social environment.

    Physical Challenges:

    • Topography
    • Climate concerns
    • Stability of the soil
    • Geographic elements such as forests and bodies of water

    Social Challenges:

    • Nearby commercial prospects
    • Population demographics of salaries and employment
    • Socio-political climate
    • Local regulations

    Utility Access

    Utilities are an essential consideration for any project. Whether the access to utilities either exist, or the ease at which they can be sourced is critical to evaluating the success and potential budgetary requirements of a project. Some of the factors that may be evaluated include:

    • Water supply
    • Septic & drainage systems
    • Sewage lines
    • Electricity and gas connectivity
    • Available roadways
    • Accessibility of the land

    Environmental Impacts

    In order for a project to be successful, the land, water, and air must be considered. To help achieve a balanced ecology, we must enhance the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts of the potential project on the natural environment.

    The land must be evaluated for:

    • Soil Type
    • Previous contaminations
    • Existing vegetation
    • Potential location in a floodplain or watershed
    • Potential proximity to ecologically critical areas
    • Wildlife habitats

    Legal and Regulatory Issues

    In Pennsylvania, the established government and municipal ordinances will determine if that parcel of land will be a good fit for the intended purpose of the project. At this stage, it will be determined if special zoning exceptions, variances, or even rezoning will be required.

    As all regional jurisdictions in Pennsylvania will have their own set of rules and regulations to follow, a Feasibility Study will outline the following items:

    • All required fees
    • Necessary permits
    • Zoning regulations

    Costs

    Unplanned and unexpected costs and fees have stopped potentially viable projects in their tracks. The financial review is a critical piece of the feasibility study and includes:

    • Permitting, NPDES and PennDOT fees
    • Required costs to alter the physical landscape
    • Outline of utility costs

    Our Feasibility Study Process

    At First Capital Engineering, our comprehensive feasibility study process evaluates the unique challenges of land development in Pennsylvania. Our assessments include a physical evaluation, a planning and development review, a process evaluation, and a feature analysis. All First Capital Engineering clients will receive their Feasibility Study in one comprehensive report, including all sketch plans, data, maps, photos, schedules, and any other pertinent material related to the study.

    Read more about our four-step process below.

    Step 1: Physical Evaluation

    We complete a thorough physical evaluation of the site and deed research at the local courthouse and with the township or borough. Topography and boundary surveys may be utilized at this time.

    Step 2: Planning and Development

    The planning and development evaluation is followed by the development of a sketch plan and a full zoning ordinance review. The various iterations and evolution of the sketch plan will be detailed, as well as any given reasons for modifications. The zoning ordinance ensures that all aspects of the sketch plan and proposed project meet the requirements including frontage, rights-of-way, easements, parking, fencing, and signage.

    Step 3: Process Evaluation

    Next, we evaluate the land Development and subdivision processes, identifying all necessary permits and applications. This includes scheduling meetings with local entities such as the township, planning commission, zoning hearing board, PennDOT, and conservation district. We will also determine filing costs and permitting fees, including estimates for the required physical alterations to the parcel such as earthwork, paving, stormwater and drainage, sanitary, erosion and sedimentation control, landscaping, and signage.

    Step 4: Feature Analysis

    Lastly, the stormwater and natural features analysis will address potential issues regarding floodplains, watersheds, wetlands, and other physical features. Disturbances in or around the wetland areas could require wetland mitigation and environmental permitting. The soil profile will be assessed for underlying geology, aiding the overall stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control design. Additionally, geologic concerns such as earthquakes, radon, landslides, sinkholes, as well as sensitive species habitats, will be evaluated.

    Our Service Areas in Pennsylvania 

    Choosing a trusted firm to execute your feasibility study can be challenging. Which is why we’ve expanded our service areas to include the entirety of Pennsylvania. This includes York County, Lancaster County, Harrisburg & Cumberland County, and Adams County. Conveniently located near Baltimore, we also serve Maryland clients. Additionally, our expertise now extends to West Virginia, offering feasibility studies across a significant portion of the Mid-Atlantic region.

    Project Examples & Client Testimonials

    At First Capital Engineering, our 30 years of experience, and local and numerous awards speak for themselves. But more than that, our dedication to your project is reflected in our past work and client testimonials. Check out our previous projects and client feedback to gain confidence in moving forward with your feasibility study. 

    Past Projects

    1. Red Lion School District
    2. Sheetz – Mt. Holly Springs, PA
    3. Weis – Enola, PA

    Testimonials

    “Always prompt with their surveying quotes! Regina and the guys at First Capital are always so helpful, and ready to submit exactly what we need whenever we need it.”

    Albert McKinney

    Google Review

    “I’m retired military and took over the secretary duties in our homeowner’s association recently and was tasked with researching pond repair information.

    When I reached out to First Capital Engineering, I was addressed with such professionalism and enthusiasm from staff that I knew I would be in great hands.

    John Luciani the president of the company took on my project with great care in educating me with each part of the process to ensure I had a complete understanding of what was needed for the most efficient repairs that would best fit our budget as well… He and his incredible staff did an amazing job and I look forward to working again with them soon.”

    Barbie Papillo

    Aspers, PA, Google Review

    “First Capital does a great job for my customers, they are extremely responsive & easy to communicate with. You can count on the best of service and the highest of standards! Thank You First Capital!”

    Rick Shaffer

    York County Realtor, Google Review

    Certifications & Affiliations

    Aside from being a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in both Pennsylvania and Maryland, FCE is also certified through the following organizations:

    Women's Business Enterprice National Council Logo

    WBE (women’s business enterprise) through WBENC

    Certification: #2005125236

    Expires: 8/29/25

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    Pennsylvania Department of General Services Logo

    SBE (small business) thru PA DGS

    Certification: #328935-2023-08-SB

    Expires: 8/24/25

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    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Logo

    DBE (disadvantaged business) thru PennDOT (PA-UCP)

    Certification: #14631

    Expires: 7/8/25

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    City of Philadelphia Logo

    WBE (women’s business) thru the City of Philadelphia

    Certification: #112279

    Expires: 7/2/25

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    Maryland Department of General Services Logo

     

    SBR (small business reserve) thru MD DGS

    Certification: #SB20-007982

    Expires: 4/24/25

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    Pennsylvania Department of General Services Logo

    SDB (small, diverse business) thru PA DGS

    Certification: #328935-202308-SDB-W

    Expires: 8/11/25

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    Maryland Department of Transportation Logo

    DBE, SBE, and MBE thru MDOT

    Certification: #17-014

    Expires: 1/1/2025

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