What Is Lot Grading and Why Is It Important?

Most communities in the United States have a master plan that determines what you can build and where. A master plan very much emphasizes the importance of lot grading, which is what enables drainage and sensible development to occur. The idea is to take into account the land, the climate, and how smart construction could work without creating massive problems within the community.

When communities grow with no real control or plan for development, very bad things can happen. Sewage could become a truly deadly issue by flowing onto other properties and contaminating them with pollutants and fecal matter. A lot grading plan helps to stop such things from happening.

Lot grading refers to the contours and slope of the land to be developed. A lot grading plan helps to ensure proper drainage while preventing damage to the property and others that are nearby.

What Is a Lot Grading Plan?

A lot grading plan applies more specifically to a specific development. But an entire community takes it into account to help prevent problems for other properties. A lot grading plan helps to stop unintentional flooding, groundwater contamination, and other unintended consequences of any development.

The lot grading plan prevents problems by determining how lot drainage will work and how rainwater, wastewater, and sewage will drain away from a property. A grading plan typically includes sewage to control its safe drainage away from a property.

The sewage might go into a municipal system that cannot get overwhelmed and cause backflow. The sewage also might go into a septic system that serves only that property.

Lot grading also includes how a property’s plumbing system will route freshwater to and from it. Either a well from which water is drawn or a connection to a municipal water source usually provides the water service for the property.

Why a Lot Grading Plan Is Important

It is nearly impossible to emphasize the importance of lot grading enough. Without it, local developments and entire communities could become endangered. Lot grading helps to prevent risks to property damage by countering potential water problems and ensuring sewage is less likely to back up.

Local units of government usually require certification of lot grading plans prior to the start of a commercial or residential construction project. Ultimately, the answer to what is a lot grading plan is that it is the primary tool for making the property viable for development and future use.

A good lot grading plan will utilize the natural slope and features with some potential modifications that are designed to provide the best use of the land. The plan helps to ensure proper drainage of water and sewage. 

Categorised in: Land Planner