Investing in land is often seen as one of the most stable and potentially lucrative types of real estate investment. However, buying land or developing property without a comprehensive understanding of its constraints and possibilities can lead to financial losses, delays, and legal troubles. That’s where a land feasibility study becomes essential. At Richard Stevens & Associates, we emphasize that the small investment in a feasibility study can save you thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—in the long run by helping you understand all the land use regulations that may impact your current property or potential investment. If you’re thinking about buying property or beginning a new development project, a land feasibility study is a good investment that should be at the top of your preparation list.
What is a Land Feasibility Study?
A land feasibility study is a comprehensive analysis conducted to evaluate whether a particular parcel of land is suitable for the intended development or use. It examines a range of factors, including but not limited to:
- Zoning and land use regulations
- Environmental conditions
- Soil quality and drainage
- Access to utilities and infrastructure
- Floodplain and water table issues
- Topography and geological stability
- Permitting requirements
- Local and state regulatory considerations
The purpose of this study is to determine whether your project is technically, legally, and financially viable before you invest significant time or money into it.
5 Reasons a Land Feasibility Study is a Good Investment
1. Understanding Zoning and Land Use Regulations
Zoning laws vary widely between municipalities and can significantly affect what you can build and how you can use your property. A land feasibility study identifies your property’s current zoning classification and interprets its associated regulations. This includes:
- Permitted uses (residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial)
- Density restrictions
- Setback requirements
- Building height limits
- Parking and access requirements
At Richard Stevens & Associates, we specialize in navigating Oregon and Northern California’s complex zoning codes and comprehensive plans. We’ll help you understand not just what is allowed today, but also what may change in the future through pending legislation or community development plans.
2. Avoiding Environmental and Regulatory Pitfalls
Environmental concerns can derail even the most well-funded projects. Wetlands, protected species habitats, contaminated soils, and steep slopes can all limit development and trigger regulatory scrutiny. A feasibility study identifies these environmental constraints early in the process, allowing you to adjust your plans or avoid unsuitable sites altogether.
In some cases, your land may be governed by additional federal or state regulations such as:
- Clean Water Act (wetland preservation)
- Endangered Species Act (habitat protection)
- Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals
- Coastal Zone Management Programs (in applicable areas)
Our team at Richard Stevens & Associates works closely with local planning departments and environmental consultants to assess all relevant factors and keep your project compliant and on track.
3. Infrastructure, Access, and Utility Availability
It’s not enough to know that land is buildable—you also need to determine whether essential services and infrastructure are available or can be extended to the site at a reasonable cost. A land feasibility study evaluates:
- Road access and ingress/egress issues
- Sewer and water system availability
- Electricity and gas service
- Broadband and telecommunications access
- Stormwater management requirements
If infrastructure is lacking or needs significant improvements, these costs can quickly render a project infeasible. Our feasibility assessments can help you budget realistically and understand what utility upgrades may be required by your city or county.
4. Understanding Costs, Risks, and Timeframes
One of the most overlooked benefits of a land feasibility study is that it outlines the total scope of a project from the beginning—financial, procedural, and logistical. With this knowledge, you can assess whether the investment is worth pursuing or whether alternative sites may offer fewer regulatory hurdles.
5. Enhancing Property Value and Marketability
A completed land feasibility study doesn’t just benefit you, but can also increase your property’s market value and attractiveness to potential buyers, investors, or developers. Having a third-party expert confirm the development potential of a parcel adds credibility and demonstrates due diligence. Buyers are far more confident when they know what can and can’t be done on a piece of land—and how soon they can get started.
If you’re preparing to sell land, a feasibility study conducted by Richard Stevens & Associates could be one of your strongest selling tools.
When Should You Conduct a Feasibility Study?
The best time to conduct a feasibility study is before purchasing a property or initiating major development plans. However, even if you already own the land, conducting a study before you file for permits, invest in architectural plans, or break ground can still help prevent expensive missteps.
Feasibility studies are essential for:
- Prospective land buyers
- Homebuilders and residential developers
- Commercial developers
- Agricultural or timber land users
- Renewable energy project developers (e.g., solar, wind)
- Municipal or nonprofit land projects
Why Choose Richard Stevens & Associates?
In today’s regulatory environment, land use decisions are more complex than ever. Mistakes can be costly and irreversible. That’s why a land feasibility study is a good investment. It provides the clarity, foresight, and protection you need to move forward with confidence.
Richard Stevens & Associates has decades of experience guiding property owners, investors, and developers through the maze of land use regulations across Oregon and Northern California. Our team offers more than just research—we provide insight, strategic planning, and personalized consulting based on deep knowledge of regional development trends and regulatory agencies.
Whether you’re planning a single-family home, a mixed-use commercial development, or a long-term land investment, we are your trusted partner in identifying potential obstacles and turning possibilities into real projects.
Contact Richard Stevens & Associates today to schedule your land feasibility study and learn all the local, state, and federal regulations that could impact your property. Make informed decisions. Avoid setbacks. Build smart from the ground up.
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