Civil Engineering
Site Plans
An engineering plan of a property that shows existing conditions and the proposed construction with proposed re-grading, proposed drainage and proposed soil erosion control measures and their respective construction details, in accordance with local building authority requirement. May also require topography data with contour lines included to illustrate elevation slopes.
Sanitary/Drainage
For properties that are not in a sewer district, an on-site sanitary system is required. Most sanitary systems comprise a septic tank and leaching pools sized to the residence. In Suffolk County, all permits must be filed though the Suffolk County Health Department and plans must comply with those requirements. In Nassau County, most residential system permits are filed though the local Town or Village building department, and must be certified by a licensed Professional Engineer.
Drainage requirements vary depending on Village, Town or County jurisdiction. All rain runoff must be contained on-site, with engineering volume calculations illustrated in a plan.
Retaining Walls / Bulkheads
Requirements may vary, typically all retaining walls 2 (two) feet or higher need permits and all walls 4 (four) feet or more are required to have site plans with calculations for factor of safety for sliding and overturning. Some municipalities regulate boulder embankments as retaining walls. Bulkheads are regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation when they are located within 300’ feet of saltwater wetlands. They can be constructed with wood or composite piles, steel or composite sheet piles, or dead men with wailers. Most require a NYS DEC wetlands permit, Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit, a New York State Department of Consistency Permit, and a building permit from the local building authority.
Foundation Plans
A drawing that specifies the size, dimension and materials for concrete foundations with reinforcing that can include piles, pile caps or underpinning based on soil boring data from site.
Storm Water Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) Pronounced "swip"
In New York State, when more than one acre of land is disturbed on a site, a stormwater plan or SWPPP is required to be submitted to the local permitting Village or Town. A SWPPP illustrates soil erosion control measures and runoff containment plans for the construction period and post construction period. When a SWPPP plan is approved by the local municipality, a “Notice of Intent” is submitted to the NY State DEC.
Structural / Framing
Architectural plans for construction purposes based on structural components or requirements. A small plan detailing the design of a single header may be required in an interior design project. On a large scale, complete structural plans provide construction details for wood framing, composite beams or steel framing and columns. Allowable stress and limit deflection is used to calculate safe and practical solutions. Where design style and aesthetics and required, an architect designer should be consulted.
Environmental Assessment Form (EAF)
A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation EAF is often required as part of a project subject to the NY State Environmental Quality Review Act. The form is a questionnaire related to the scope of the project and any existing environmentally sensitive aspects to the property, project or surrounding area. Data from the NYS DEC database, US Geological survey and NYS DEC Natural Heritage Program may also be included.
239 F Review
Article 239 F in Nassau County Law Code requires a Nassau County review of any project which abuts a property owned by the county, such as a road or drainage reserve area. All project work must comply with Nassau County standards. A project site plan is submitted to the Nassau County Department of Public Works for this review.