Running a business in Indianapolis brings many challenges, but also many exciting opportunities. If your business is growing, you may find yourself needing to expand.
Your expansion could include new buildings or new locations, which necessarily involves new construction. This is a major undertaking and requires you to navigate a complex and potentially unfamiliar process.
You may find yourself dealing with land use problems along the way. Land use is a general term used to describe the many different human activities that take place on real estate.
EPA requirements
The activities you perform on land as part of your construction must meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The EPA’s goal with new construction projects is to make sure the construction does not have negative effects on the land or on the people living near the construction area.
As you begin your construction project, in addition to complying with all EPA requirements, you must consider factors such as how your project will impact climate change, any existing infrastructure, any existing or adjacent buildings and keeping your workers and the public safe.
What causes land use problems
Some common types of hazards you may encounter that could lead to land use problems include:
- Air pollution
- Equipment problems
- Inadequate training
- Water supply issues
The machinery and equipment used as part of your construction project could result in air pollution in the surrounding areas. This can cause health problems for people living in the area with conditions such as asthma.
Additionally, construction projects can lead to land use issues through heat islands, which are domes of warmer air due to the loss of trees and shrubs that are replaced by buildings and pavement.
Construction equipment that is not properly maintained can cause problems with the surrounding environment and increase noise pollution. Workers operating the equipment who are not adequately trained can also lead to land use problems if their actions end up damaging the surrounding land or negatively affecting the environment.
Chances are, your project involves constructing buildings, parking lots and roads. You must be aware of how the construction will affect the surrounding water supply. New construction has the potential to affect water quality and impact nearby animal habitats.
Protecting your rights as a business owner
These are just a few examples of areas where you may encounter land use obstacles as you begin a new construction project. There are often many more details you must consider and rules and regulations you must comply with.
The process can quickly become overwhelming, leaving you with more questions than answers. Having the help and guidance of a professional from the outset can help you work through any land use problems that might arise.