Custom Home Feasibility

A feasibility study identifies the regulatory, environmental, and site-specific factors that determine what can be built on a property. Our analysis includes:

• Zoning, allowable uses, and development standards

• Setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage

• Critical areas (steep slopes, erosion, landslide hazards, wetlands, streams, flood zones)

• Shoreline jurisdiction requirements

• Tree retention and vegetation regulations

• Sewer, water, power, and utility availability

• Septic system limitations (if sewer unavailable)

• Access and fire apparatus requirements

• Preliminary stormwater considerations

• High-level grading and site suitability

Our feasibility reports are designed to reduce uncertainty and provide a clear path toward permitting.

Civil Engineering for Residential Site Development

Once feasibility confirms that a site is buildable, we provide complete residential civil engineering, including:

• Site plans

• Grading plans

• Stormwater design and infiltration testing coordination

• Driveway design and slope compliance

• Utility design (water, sewer, power, gas, telecom)

• Erosion and sediment control plans

• Earthwork calculations

• Right-of-way improvements (when required by jurisdiction)

• Construction documents for permitting

Our plans are designed to meet the requirements of the reviewing agency and support the architectural and structural teams.

Permit Management & Project Coordination

We manage the submittal and review process with local jurisdictions such as Seattle SDCI, King County DLS, Pierce County PPW, and others. Our permitting services include:

• Preparing complete permit packages

• Responding to correction comments

• Coordinating with surveyors, geotechnical engineers, architects, and builders

• Tracking review timelines

• Ensuring all documents meet jurisdictional standards

This produces a more predictable schedule and reduces delays in the pre-construction phase.

WHY FEASIBILITY IS CRITICAL IN WESTERN WASHINGTON

Western Washington jurisdictions maintain some of the most complex residential development regulations in the country. Factors such as steep slopes, low-permeability soils, wetlands, high groundwater, tree protection, shoreline restrictions, and stormwater requirements can significantly impact design and cost.

A comprehensive feasibility review helps homeowners and builders:

• Avoid unexpected design revisions

• Understand realistic building footprints

• Confirm required studies (geotechnical, infiltration testing, critical areas reports)

• Identify access, drainage, and utility constraints

• Prevent costly delays during review

• Determine permitting timelines and likely fees

Feasibility is the foundation that guides the rest of the project.

COMMON SITE CHALLENGES IN THE PUGET SOUND REGION

Steep Slopes & Geologic Hazards

Seattle, West Seattle, Tacoma, and many shoreline communities include slopes that may require geotechnical evaluation and specialized design.

Wetlands, Streams & Buffers

Pierce, Thurston, and Mason Counties frequently include regulated wetlands that can reduce the usable area of a lot.

Tight Urban Infill Parcels

Bellevue, Redmond, Medina, and Seattle often require careful grading, stormwater design, and utility routing due to limited space.

Septic System Limitations

In areas without sewer (common in Mason and Thurston Counties), septic requirements can dictate building location, setbacks, and tree removal.

Right-of-Way Improvement Requirements

King County and select cities may require frontage improvements or drainage upgrades as part of the custom home permit.

By evaluating these conditions early, we help clients plan realistically and avoid costly surprises.

SERVICE AREAS

• Seattle

• Tacoma

• Medina

• Bellevue

• Redmond

• Kent

• King County

• Pierce County

• Thurston County

• Mason County

START WITH A CUSTOM HOME FEASIBILITY REVIEW

A successful custom home project begins with clear, accurate information. McInnis Engineering provides feasibility studies, civil engineering, and permit management that help homeowners and builders plan confidently and move through review efficiently.

Contact us to begin a feasibility assessment or discuss your site.