Top 5 Site Planning Mistakes in Utah And How Highland Prevents Them

September 1, 2025

Why Smart Surveying and Civil Engineering Save You Time, Money, and Stress

Poor site planning is one of the top causes of construction delays and budget overruns in Utah. In fact, up to 30% of project cost overruns begin with avoidable mistakes made during the initial planning phase.

At Highland, our Surveying and Civil Engineering teams collaborate from day one. Precise land surveys form the foundation for safe, efficient, and code-compliant site designs. Without reliable data, even the best blueprints rest on guesswork.

Below are the five most common site planning mistakes and how Highland helps your project avoid them.

1. Ignoring Slopes and Elevation Changes

Even lots that appear flat can hide subtle slopes that cause major complications, such as:

Uncontrolled water runoff
Unexpected grading or retaining wall costs
Non-compliance with ADA or driveway slope standards

Highland’s Solution:
Highland surveyors deliver detailed topographic data so our engineers can design accurate grading plans. This proactive approach prevents costly drainage or structural surprises before construction even begins.

2. Overlooking Drainage Needs

Utah’s climate may be dry, but stormwater, snowmelt, and flash floods can still pose serious threats to your property. Poor drainage planning often leads to:

Erosion of landscaping and building foundations
Flooding in basements or crawlspaces
Runoff affecting adjacent properties

Highland’s Solution:
We use survey data to guide soil testing and slope analysis. Our engineers design swales, catch basins, and retention systems that meet local stormwater codes, keeping your property dry and protected during Utah’s unpredictable weather.

3. Misplacing Driveways and Access Points

Driveway and access placement significantly impacts traffic flow, safety, and zoning compliance. Mistakes can result in:

Denied permits or costly redesigns
Unsafe vehicle access
Wasted usable space

Highland’s Solution:
We identify property lines and easements early. Then, our engineers design driveways and access points for optimal safety, compliance, and site usability, helping you avoid redesigns and permitting headaches.

4. Disregarding Utility Access Challenges

Unexpected utility hookup issues can derail your budget and timeline:

Expensive trenching or rerouting
Delays from unplanned utility work
Budget overruns

Highland’s Solution:
Our surveyors locate existing utilities and obstacles. Engineers then plan efficient, code-compliant routes to keep projects moving and costs in check.

5. Underestimating Snow and Seasonal Changes

Utah’s winters bring heavy snow loads, spring runoff, and freeze-thaw cycles that can damage unprepared properties. Risks include:

Ice buildup near entrances and paths
Water infiltration in basements or garages
Seasonal erosion and maintenance issues

Highland’s Solution:
We factor in snow load, runoff, and freeze-thaw cycles. Guided by survey data, our engineers design durable, low-maintenance solutions tailored to Utah’s seasonal extremes.

Pro Tips for Smarter Plans

Utah’s geography, climate, and local regulations pose unique challenges for developers. Whether you’re planning a residential neighborhood, commercial complex, or custom home, following these best practices will help you build smarter and avoid costly setbacks.

Start with a Detailed Survey

A thorough land survey is the foundation of successful site planning. It provides critical data on:

Property boundaries and legal easements
Topography, including slopes, ridgelines, and low points
Underground utilities, existing structures, and surface features

Without this information, your team is essentially designing blind. At Highland, we use advanced surveying tools like GPS, total stations, and aerial drones to create accurate, high-resolution site maps, ensuring every foot of your land is accounted for.

Plan Grading and Drainage Early

Grading and drainage design should begin as soon as survey data is available and not after initial plans are drafted. Early planning allows you to:

Direct water safely away from buildings and neighboring properties
Avoid costly excavation changes mid-construction
Design retaining walls, swales, or slopes before they become problems

In Utah, where flash floods and spring runoff are common, drainage isn’t just about convenience. It’s essential for safety and compliance. Our engineers factor in soil type, slope, and drainage patterns to shape your land for long-term performance.

Coordinate Utility Access

Utility placement often gets overlooked until late in the process, which can lead to major delays. Coordinating early helps avoid:

Unexpected trenching through finished areas
Permitting delays for last-minute utility easements
Costly rerouting of water, sewer, or electrical lines

Our team identifies the nearest service connections and collaborates with utility providers to streamline your design and construction timelines. This means you get efficient access without disrupting your overall site plan.

Understand Local Regulations

Every Utah municipality has unique zoning codes, building ordinances, and permit processes. Missteps here can result in:

Rejected site plans
Costly redesigns
Delays in approvals or inspections

With experience across Utah counties and cities, Highland’s team helps you navigate these rules from day one. We stay current on local code changes and work directly with planning departments to ensure compliance, reducing your risk of surprises and speeding up approvals.

Design for Utah’s Climate

Utah’s seasons are intense. Hot, dry summers and freezing winters create challenges that must be considered during planning and design. Key considerations include:

Snow accumulation zones: Ensure clear space for snow storage that won’t block access or damage landscaping
Freeze-thaw durability: Choose materials and slopes that won’t crack or erode as temperatures fluctuate
Runoff control: Prevent flooding from spring snowmelt and sudden summer storms

By integrating climate-resilient strategies into every plan, Highland ensures your site performs reliably year-round with minimal maintenance needs.

Why Highland Surveying + Civil Engineering Makes a Difference

Surveying and engineering work best together. With Highland, you get:

Precise grading, drainage, and utility planning
Full compliance with Utah zoning and stormwater codes
Long-term protection for your investment

Even seasoned developers can overlook critical details early on, and those mistakes cost time and money. Highland prevents these pitfalls with a collaborative, Utah-specific approach.