Site development covers all work required to prepare raw land for construction. This includes site clearing and rough earthwork, grading to establish proper elevations, installation of underground utilities (storm, sanitary, water, gas, electric, and communications), and building pad preparation. At CLOSW Construction, we self-perform grading, utilities, and structural steel, giving us direct control over quality and schedule.

Site work generally takes 6 to 14 weeks for excavation, utilities, footings, and slabs. However, the total timeline from concept to groundbreaking—including feasibility, design, and permitting—typically spans 22 to 36 weeks for a mid-market commercial project. Permitting alone can range from 4 weeks to over 18 months, depending on the jurisdiction and facility type. CLOSW provides a clear project schedule during the initial feasibility stage, so you know exactly what to expect.

At minimum, a Site Development Permit is required for any project involving grading, fill, or utility installation. Many projects also require zoning approval before a building permit can be issued. For sites with over 1 acre of disturbance, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is typically required. CLOSW handles all permitting filings, so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy alone.

We conduct a thorough due diligence process that includes:

Geotechnical investigation (3–8 weeks) to evaluate soil bearing capacity and compaction requirements

Environmental assessment to identify any contamination or protected resources

Site survey to confirm property boundaries and existing features

Utility availability checks to confirm capacity and connection points

These assessments prevent costly redesigns and delays once construction begins.

If geotechnical reports reveal poor soil conditions, we develop engineered solutions such as soil stabilization, undercutting and replacement, or deep foundations (piles or caissons). We address these issues during preconstruction so they don't become emergency problems mid-project. CLOSW's senior estimators include site condition contingencies in our initial cost ranges.