Site Evaluations
Camera
Magnetic compass
200' measuring tape
Fluorescent plastic marking tape
"Upside-down" orange spray paint

Plat drawing, enlarged to 1"=20' scale
Engineer's scale (white) -- optional
Preliminary building plans, if any
Architect's scale (black) -- optional
Drinking water, hat, boots, lunch, etc.

Evaluating your site:
It's good to visit your site several times --- at different times of the day, on weekdays and weekends, and during different seasons (if feasible).

Verify that you are on the correct lot. Don't take this for granted or take the word of someone who isn't sure. It's very easy to confuse one vacant lot with another.

Using the compass, find magnetic north. (True north, in Idaho, is 18 degrees left of magnetic north. Plat drawings & surveys use true north).

Standing in the center of the site, photograph in all directions. Start by shooting north, then turning 1/8 of a turn to northeast, then another 1/8 of a turn to east, and so on until you've completed a full circle. The photos can later be taped together to form a 360 degree panoramic view.

Photograph any other special features on the site --- utilities, fences, sidewalks, curbs, curb cuts, gutters, drainage, rock outcroppings, street lights, vegetation, etc.

Locate survey pins if possible. Survey pins are usually 1/2" diameter steel rods driven into the earth. They are usually impossible to find without the help of a qualified surveyor. Never make assumptions about their locations. A surveyor will positively locate the existing pins and further mark their locations with tall wooden stakes or flags.

Evaluate easements, based on what's shown on the plat drawing. Read the fine print, and look for dashed lines on the plan. More easements might be listed in the title report, but not necessarily shown on the plat.

Evaluate required building setbacks, based on local ordinances. For homes, these might be 20' front, 15' rear, and 5' sides --- but these minimums frequently vary. Check with the city to be sure. For offices, plan on at least 10' setbacks to avoid having to build expensive firewalls. Greater setbacks are frequently required.

Think about how the building would best fit the site. Consider car access, parking, views, neighbors, sounds / noise, existing vegetation, snow storage, prevailing wind, winter sun (from the southeast to southwest) and summer sun (from the east & west).

Evaluate topography. Which direction(s) does the land slope? How much? Where will storm water drain? Is the site in a flood zone? Will major excavation be required? Sub-surface water or rock? These issues will probably require expert help to evaluate. A local civil engineer can advise you on these issues and prepare a Site Plan showing how your floor plan fits on the lot.

Gather up tools, and plan to visit your site again under fresh conditions.