Understanding the land that we are working with is the most important aspect in land development. In order for us to properly design a community, the background, history, and existing features must be adequately researched to give us an understanding of the are we are working with as well as anything we have to in our minds while designing a community of this scale.
Record Research
Before any field day could be conducted, record research must be conducted. Early on we contacted and received documentation of survey records and other types of documents from the Public Works Los Angeles County and the National Geodetic survey. These documents include parcel maps, tract maps, record of survey, benchmarks and corner records from the Public works as well as benchmarks and vertical/horizontal control form the National Geodetic Survey.
Planning
The intention for our land is to develop it into a mixed use subdivision with a self contained community at about 55% single family residential, 15% commercial space and 30% open and green space. As of this point, we have existing zoning conditions as a known and conditional use permits are likely the best approach for land use designations
Geotech
Our geotechnical investigation found that the main soil type is alluvial gravel and sand which were brought in from previous stream channels (Qa). Other important notes are the two faults nearby that can affect the area. These are the San Jose Fault and the Elsinore Fault Zone. This information was pulled from established document from the United States Geological Survey as well as the California Geological Survey.
Environmental
A preliminary environmental study was conducted to understand the environment that the land has and to see if there were any conditions that we had to consider. An adjacent rail marked in blue shows an active railroad on the east side of the land that will emit diesel exhaust (DPM). The red outline shows a facility known as Consolidated Precision Products (CPP). Emissions here are unknown and are potentially hazardous. For these two sources of emissions we are considering a masonry wall/noise barrier and contacting the facility about treating the emissions that leave their facility. There are also several known endangered species that live here. They are three birds and a species of bee (Least Bell's Vireo, California Black Rail, Coastal California Gnatcatcher, and the Crotch Bumble Bee). In consideration of these species, we plan to add more than adequate trees and other vegetation to support these species.
Hydrology
Storm drain design is important to include as we did not get very much information on already existing conditions in regards to drainage. Since the current use for the land is a farm, there is most likely not much underneath. Our land slopes downward in elevation from North to South so we are considering detention basins south and downward from the northern storm trap.