rural residENTIAL subdivision concept.

As part of my civil engineering services, I was engaged by a developer looking to purchase property in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, with the goal of developing a rural residential subdivision. My role was to conduct a due diligence study and provide a preliminary layout of the property to help the client assess the feasibility of the project, while adhering to relevant local and state regulations.

Key aspects of this project included:

• Site Assessment and Preliminary Layout: I conducted a thorough site evaluation, including topographic analysis and boundary survey, to determine the most effective use of the property. Based on this evaluation, I prepared a preliminary subdivision layout that maximized the number of lots while considering the natural features of the land.

• Septic System Compliance: One of the primary concerns for this rural development was ensuring compliance with Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) regulations regarding septic systems. I designed the preliminary layout to optimize lot configurations that would meet ODEQ's rules for septic system installation, which are critical for rural developments that lack centralized sewer infrastructure.

• Lot Sizing and Density: I carefully considered the spacing and lot sizes to ensure that the subdivision would meet the minimum requirements for septic systems, as well as provide adequate space for future development. The preliminary layout also took into account access roads, utilities, and drainage patterns.

• Due Diligence Study: This due diligence study provided the developer with valuable insights into the property’s suitability for development, including zoning considerations, environmental factors, and potential obstacles related to infrastructure. The study helped the client make an informed decision before finalizing the property purchase.

• Regulatory Review: I worked closely with local officials in McIntosh County and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) to ensure that the proposed subdivision layout complied with all regulatory requirements. This included reviewing relevant codes and restrictions to avoid any potential roadblocks during the permitting and approval process.

This preliminary layout study offered the developer a clear understanding of the project’s potential and highlighted key considerations for moving forward with the land purchase and subsequent development phases.