Know the Challenges Before You Start
A poorly planned site can lead to unexpected roadblocks, zoning restrictions, and costly redesigns. Without a proper feasibility assessment, projects risk delays, increased costs, and regulatory violations.
Access NEP conducts detailed site assessments to identify infrastructure physical constraints, land use, environmental and regulatory concerns, and critical red flags before construction begins.
Access is more than just a data-gathering service. Our trained experts perform a deep-dive analysis of every site, interpreting data, proactively following up, and thoroughly assessing the practical implications for your proposed project.
Why Site Analysis is Essential
Unbuildable sites due to hidden constraints
Evaluate physical constraints such as wetlands, floodplains, slopes, land cover, and prior use or development. Identify use restrictions due to zoning, restrictive covenants, or site classifications.
Develop realistic approvals timelines
Understand which permits are required, what studies and documentation must be prepared, typical review durations, and the risks of delays or denials.
Identify and avoid roadblocks
Recognizing potential red flags early—whether related to permits, physical constraints, or local opposition—allows for thoughtful planning and strategic navigation.
See the big picture
With a clear understanding of your site, what can be developed, and the steps required for approval, you can build a cohesive project team, align efforts, and streamline the development process.
How Site Analysis Works
Assess physical characteristics
We review parcel data, topography, soils, designated streams, wetlands, floodplains, existing and historic land use, and public road access to evaluate the site’s physical viability.
Identify site classifications
Certain classifications can significantly impact buildability. These include habitats for threatened and endangered species, protected lands, cultural resources, farmland classifications, environmental justice areas, and other regulatory or site-specific designations.
Understand permitting requirements
We outline all necessary permits—environmental (e.g., water impact and construction discharge), industry-specific agency reviews, local land use and zoning approvals, road use permits, and any additional requirements tied to site classifications.
Avoid potential roadblocks
Beyond physical, classification, and permitting challenges, we evaluate visual impacts, community perception, and other unique site-specific risks—ensuring potential red flags are identified early and thoughtfully addressed throughout the analysis process.
Who Needs This Service?
Developers planning new sites
Infrastructure investors seeking pre-construction risk analysis
Engineering teams needing to understand design requirements and restrictions
Case Studies
Microgrid Project – Ohio
By identifying key site and route restrictions early, we enabled the design team to adjust plans before submission, securing approvals smoothly and avoiding costly revisions or delays.
Utility-Scale Solar Farm – Pennsylvania
Our analysis uncovered a critical local solar ordinance that automated data tools had missed, helping the client proactively address regulatory barriers and avoid downstream setbacks.
Solar Site Assessment – New York
Significant site constraints and restrictive zoning, combined with direct agency engagement, empowered the client to make an informed no-go decision, avoiding investment in a non-viable location.