Just obtained land and want to build. I’ve heard the first step is to get a “perk” test in the area.
BMoose
| Posted in General Questions on
I would welcome any guidance.
r/
Sue
PS the land is in central Georgia, close to an acre pond.
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Replies
Sue,
I'm not sure what your question is, so I'll start at the beginning. "Perc" is short for "percolation." A percolation test is a simple test to determine how quickly soil absorbs water. Sandy soil percolates well, while clay soil percolates slowly.
The point of a perc test is to determine what type of septic system, if any, can be installed on your site. If water drains readily, an ordinary septic system can be installed. Soils that percolate slowly will need a specially engineered septic system.
Soils that percolate very slowly many not pass a perc test at all. In some cases, that may mean that no house can be built on the site.
Often perc-testing (testing the percolation rate of the soil for a private septic system) is done as a precondition of sale, since the site may not be buildable if it does not pass.
But once you've purchased the land, the first step would be to investigate local zoning regulations and the entire permitting process - which may include curb cut permit for road access, wetlands permit (since there is a pond), septic permit and building permit.
If the land is not surveyed, you may be required to locate boundaries and map the terrain. If there are any pre-existing buildings or development on abutting land, that may effect where and how you can build.
Zoning restrictions typically include boundary set-backs, height limitations and driveway/parking requirements, but may also involve steep slope development limits, erosion control, outdoor lighting restrictions, wood-burning limits, etc.
You may also need to investigate water supply (public utility or private well), electrical, telecom and gas utility access, as well as any state-wide codes such as energy-efficiency requirements. You should certainly be familiar with all applicable building codes before thinking about house design; and if you're not planning to do the building yourself, find out what local designers and builders are available and appropriate to your goals.
Mr Holladay and Mr Riversong,
Thank you for your rapid responses. As you can tell, I'm a newbie in this process. :)
The land is actually 55 acres so I have a number of building locations to consider, if perc doesn't work in the one I'm currently considering.
Thanks again for the assistance.
r/
Sue