Before construction can break ground in New Jersey, owners and prospective developers must first navigate a complex and time-consuming web of regulations, permits and approvals. Whether purchasing land or developing owned property, owners must perform due diligence to ensure the site is viable for development and meets business current and future needs.

During this early due diligence and conceptual stage, a team of professionals will gather reports and conduct studies to understand the site’s yield and limitations, identifying physical, legal and environmental constraints early. The goal is to understand yield considering business objectives, and to confirm the project is not only feasible but smart to pursue. This will help determine whether the site and project meet business objectives, local regulations and “pencils” financially.

Skipping this step or moving forward too quickly can result in costly setbacks, potentially jeopardizing the investment.  While this process can take 2 to 5 months and cost upwards of $50,000, it lays the groundwork for success and significantly reduces risk for owners and developers before any formal site plan applications are filed. Here is an overview of what to expect before ever applying for a formal approval.