Preliminary code study: Know what it takes to get your project approved

A site may appear to meet your project needs, but another important question remains before moving forward: Can you gain approval from authorities having jurisdiction to build what you’re planning?

A preliminary code study and entitlement schedule can help you find out.

As part of the predevelopment process, this work identifies site-specific zoning codes and approval requirements, and outlines the steps, timing, and potential fees involved in getting your project approved. Understanding those requirements early can help you determine whether a potential site is right for your project — before you make major commitments.

What is a preliminary code study and entitlement schedule?

A preliminary code study examines the zoning, planning, and other regulatory requirements that could affect development of a particular property.

The entitlement schedule looks at the approvals and permits you’ll need from federal, state, and local governments and other agencies before your project can proceed. It also identifies the anticipated process and timeline for obtaining each of them.

Together, they give you an early understanding of both what approvals you’ll need and what it may take to get them.

What does a preliminary code study include?

Every property and project is different, but DBS Group’s preliminary review considers several key areas:

Current zoning. We review the property’s current zoning to determine whether your intended use is permitted. If rezoning is required, we outline the process, anticipated duration, and associated fees.

Planning and zoning approvals. Depending on your project, you may need approvals from a planning commission, zoning board, city council, or other local authority. We determine which approvals apply and provide details about the process, anticipated timing, and fees for each.

Agency approvals. Some projects require review or approval from additional local, state, or other agencies. Our preliminary study looks at which agencies may be involved, what their approval processes entail, and the anticipated duration and fees.

Project assessments and fees. Development can also involve assessments and other project-related charges. When that information is available, we provide approximate costs so you can account for them in your early planning.

Entitlement schedule. Finally, we bring the required approvals and steps together into a preliminary schedule, giving you a better understanding of how the entitlement process may affect your overall project timeline.

Why this matters during predevelopment

Entitlements can affect much more than whether your project receives approval. They can influence your site selection, project schedule, development costs, and ultimately, project feasibility.

For example, a property may require rezoning before you can use it as planned. An additional agency review could delay your schedule. Required approvals or assessments could add costs you hadn’t anticipated.

Identifying those issues during predevelopment gives you a chance to account for them before you purchase property, finalize plans, or set a construction schedule.

DBS Group can help you evaluate a potential site

You shouldn’t have to determine zoning requirements, approval processes, timelines, and fees on your own.

DBS Group can conduct a preliminary code study and develop an entitlement schedule as part of your predevelopment process. We’ll help you understand the requirements associated with a potential site and how they could affect your plans.

Before a site becomes your project site, you’ll know what it will take to get from concept to approval.

Learn more about why predevelopment services matter when you’re planning a commercial construction project.