Base Map Review and Site Inventory

1. LHAP 301: Opportunities and Constraints Base Map Review and Site Inventory

So the Client Interview is finished with the list of opportunities and constraints…

The Site inventory has 2 facets

• measurements onsite of existing items / things not on the RPR
• mapping it out on paper to give you a visual - the next step between the basemap and concepts.

2. Opportunities & Constraints

T aking time for reflection after the Client interview is critical:

❖What did the customer say they WANTED?➢ Usage, Colours, Style?

❖What LIMITS your design?➢ Budget, preferences, site constraints, utilities, bylaws?➢ Note, you should/could note site considerations that limit install, but at this stage what you are looking at are design constraints

Opportunities and Constraints are not so much about logistic concerns as they are about what will influence your design decisions.

3. Constraints:

❖Building Codes❖Municipal Bylaws➢Plant material, ➢Fence rules➢Permits❖Development Architectural Guidelines❖Environmental/Site limitations❖Customer preferences.

4. Common constraints

❏Consider the Right of Ways and Easements❏1 m setback from property sidelines❏3m for all firepits❏Railings: 60 cm❏Staging permits❏Building Permits❏Planting Bylaws❏Septic systems (acreages)❏Winds / Exposure❏Protection of Waterways❏Fence bylaws or placement

All photos - E. Kawahara.

Left - deck with no railing - must boost grade in order to comply

3 Right hand photos - Septic mound bird’s eye and in real time - note the grading implications and the trees nearby. How to design around this? Note the access ports to septic tanks.

Go over basic septic systems for folks who design in rural / commercial areas:

• You MUST not disturb the mound (it is engineered - mounds = failed perc test so there’s hardpan or high water table)
• There are tanks to hold solids (must maintain access to these for a vac truck and 2-4” hose)
• If tanks need to be replaced, there shouldn’t be any high value shrubbery b/c it will get dug out
• Lids have to be removable… you may be able to build up around them a little, though, or build boxes with trap doors
• There will be a pipe underground connecting tank to field (no heavy traffic)
• The field is perforated pipe - for effluent discharge and percolation
• Specs read for sod to be installed ontop to prevent tap rooted dicots from growing into the pipes (bio-accumulation)
• Trees should be set back at least from the crown to edge of field to prevent roots penetrating pipes

5. NO irrigation on top of septic fields (do not want excessive water...

• NO irrigation on top of septic fields (do not want excessive water or the effluent may not drain properly)
• Do not cut down/ remove inspection ports on edges (call the septic field designer and have them cut them down).

Bottom line - they aren’t pretty… wouldn’t it be nice if that was planned before the house was installed?!

6. Photos e.kawahara 2024 - Blankestijn acreage septic system installation - this is just

to show how deep and the size of the septic tanks (and what those green risers connect to). Its not going to be on a test, but its important for students to understand.

7. Right Of Way Construction

Remember that, especially when there are utilities in the ROW, the city may need to come in and tear up sections of it. They will only backfill and add grass seed. Plant Tree trunks off of the ROW and only put hardscaping down if the client is prepared to pay for repairs.

• Images - E. Kawahara 2016

8. Right of Way Construction

Deep holes - potentially major root disruption during digging.

Landscape reinstatement contracts may or may not allow budget for wall replacement, but trees for sure will not be allowed on the ROW or within 6m of valves.

(City of Red Deer was frustratingly vague saying “no tap rooted”! Otherwise, pretty much everything is put back: mulch, sod, gravel, etc

9. Base maps and Site Inventory/Analysis

10. Base Maps

• What is the function of a base map?
• What information belongs on the base map?a. Look at your site - is there anything not on the site drawing that belongs on a base map?
• How would you go about drafting a base map for your property?

In landscape design, a base map functions as the foundational scaled drawing that represents the existing conditions of a property. It serves as an accurate bird's-eye view template upon which all future design layers and analysis are built.

Open the slide show What on a base map, review from 2nd year survey

11. Site Inventory & Analysis

2 Facets:

• Locating existing assets remaining onsite
• Identifying the environmental and functional requirements or limitations of the site

12. Site Inventory

What types of Assets may be on a site but not noted in the Real Property Report?

❖New Decks, porches or patios❖Trees (especially) sometimes shrubs, rarely perennials❖Fences and/or gates❖T aps, services, AC, ventilation, window wells, cantilevers, downspouts

Other items that may be issues?

❖Utility boxes & Utility locations❖Light Posts & Overhead lines❖Limited Access & Cul-de-sac or limited parking

13. The Site Inventory and Analysis is about making a VISUAL note of...

The Site Inventory and Analysis is about making a VISUAL note of the information you’ve gathered for the property.

It should be memorable (use colours and icons more than words)

It is about identifying problems and noting assets - do not start to think about solutions yet! (There are still a few steps before you get there).

14. Assignment

Assignment:Using the Base Map provided, complete a site inventory and analysis for the property you have been working on.Note: 1.Building observations2.Site Conditions / Environment3.Opportunities and Constraints areas of note.