Our Typical Project Process

1. Initial Client Consultation 

During the initial client consultation, our team will familiarize ourselves with the project site and the client’s development goals. We will identify and coordinate any necessary consultants—such as surveyors, environmental professionals, and geotechnical engineers—to support the due diligence process. Z Development Services will then develop a proposal outlining the required services to assess the feasibility of the site.

2. Due Diligence Phase

During the due diligence phase, our team will thoroughly research all aspects of the property, including utility availability, site access, stormwater management requirements, and any potential challenges related to the proposed development. We will coordinate with other consultants to review their reports and surveys and identify any concerns.

Our site design experts will create a preliminary site plan that optimizes the property’s use while adhering to local, state, and federal regulations. We will also meet with the permitting agencies to verify our findings and discuss the approval process. Once due diligence is complete, we will confirm the site’s feasibility for the proposed development.

3. Entitlement Phase

If the due diligence process reveals that special approvals are required (such as variances, special exceptions, conditional use permits, or rezone requests), we will manage the entire process.

Our team will file all necessary applications, documents, plans, and other required materials with the appropriate local agencies. Senior staff at Z Development Services will attend meetings and public hearings to represent the project and ensure a smooth entitlement process.

Once the project is deemed feasible during the due diligence  phase, our team will diligently complete the site design, including the horizontal control/site plan, utility plans, grading/drainage plans, specifications, and other necessary design elements for permitting and construction.

We will collaborate closely with the project architect, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineers and any other consultants involved. Our goal is to work with the client and design team to create a site design that is both efficient and cost-effective, ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulations.

5. Permitting Phase

Our government relations staff will be able to identify all necessary permits for site-related work while permitting. We will assist in preparing the required applications, ensuring the client only needs to provide permit fees and signatures—our team will handle the rest.

We communicate closely with government agencies throughout the process to expedite their review. When comments are received, we quickly address them and provide thorough responses. We will see the permitting process through to completion, ensuring all site-related permits are obtained.

During the construction and closeout phase, our government relations staff will provide the contractor with all obtained permits and instructions for beginning the construction process. We will coordinate and attend any necessary pre-construction meetings with the permitting agencies.

Throughout the project's construction, our team will review site-related shop drawings and contractor submittals to ensure compliance with the approved plans and specifications. We will also respond to any contractor requests or questions regarding the design. In the final stages, we will work with the contractor to provide the necessary information to secure the project’s certificate of completion or occupancy.