I’ve always wondered what percentage of land bought for the development of a planned community (i.e. tract housing) is used for roads. I know not all planned communities have common areas (e.g. tennis courts, playground, pool area, club house, etc.), but they all have roads into the subdivision and to the driveways of each home.
When planning a community, I’m guessing that it is in the interest of the developer to not overly waste land on roads as it could be better spent on lots to put homes on and make money. Not sure if the county/state agency dictates how much of a land needs to be roads, but I’m still curious none the less.
Are there any developers on FHB that could give some insight onto this curiosity I’ve had some a good many years?
Replies
Here in Ontario ; you have to give 5% of the land being developed to to municipality
you try to make the lots as narrow as allowed , currently 125' x min 3/4 acre overall
The size is often affected by the soil in regards to installing a tile bed eg. poor soil equates to needing a bigger lot (this is determined by a hydrogeoligest)
They road and all drainage requirements are determined by a engineer that you hire and it is checked by the municipalitys engineer (road allowance here is a minimum (66')
The road bed is a minimum 16" granular B (0 to 4") covered by 6" granular A (5/8 crushed )
Then you have it paved using 2 lifts of 1 1/2 " rolled asphalt type HL
a year after that is done the municipality will check for defects and if none are found the may assume ownership , prior to that the developer must maintain the road to their satisfaction eg. snowplowing , grading , dust control ditch mowing
You also have to install steet lights , hydro & phone
Here it takes approx 5 years from conception to ability to sell 1st lot if all goes well
It takes a lot of money to develop a subdivision if you are a small guy as banks dont lend money for roads because you are giving it away to the municipality for free
It usuall intails mtg your principal residence .
I started in 76 first lot sold in 85 (started with 42) got 12 left
I may develop another 32 acres i have accross the road ( gonna need even bigger money next time}
the wife and i owen the developement (http://www.foxfireridge.com) and have no partners which at times has been hell for raising money but thats life !