As the Denver metro area continues to grow, opportunities for land development have surged, but with that have come many complexities to overcome. Between local regulations, infrastructure requirements, site-specific challenges, and community expectations, navigating a successful development project requires more than just a great idea – it requires the right team.
That’s where an experienced civil engineering team comes into play!
At WGI, our civil engineering experts help private developers, property owners, architects, and contractors turn ideas into fully realized, buildable, and code-compliant projects. But we don’t do it alone. What sets WGI apart is our multidisciplinary approach. Our engineers work side-by-side with in-house planners, traffic engineers, geospatial specialists, landscape architects, and environmental experts to offer comprehensive support at every phase of your project.
So, what can you expect when partnering with WGI’s civil engineering team in Denver?
Let’s walk through the key steps of the land development process, and how our integrated team helps keep your project on track from start to finish.
Step 1: Initial Consultation – Aligning Vision with Strategy
Every successful development starts with a solid foundation of understanding. In this early phase, our civil engineers look to learn about and align with your goals, your site, and your vision for the project. We’ll assess:
- Proposed project type and end goals
- Existing site and/or logistical challenges
- Anticipated zoning and entitlement requirements
- Schedule drivers and budget parameters
- Stakeholder needs and regulatory considerations
Right from the start, WGI’s multidisciplinary team can identify high-level risks, guide due diligence efforts, and begin lobbying and outreach efforts all to help position your project for success.
Step 2: Site Evaluation and Feasibility – Building the Case for Development
Once the project scope is defined, WGI’s engineers, alongside our geospatial and environmental teams, begin to analyze your site in detail. This includes:
- Topographic and boundary surveys
- Geotechnical and soil evaluations
- Floodplain mapping and stormwater considerations
- Site constraints and infrastructure availability
- Utility and roadway access
- Environmental due diligence and permitting feasibility
- Review and determination of entitlement status
- Project development schedule expectations
This step is all about discovery. With a clear picture of the site’s opportunities and constraints, we can shape a more accurate and achievable path forward – saving time, cost, and uncertainty later in the process.
Step 3: Site Planning and Multidisciplinary Design – Bringing Ideas to Life
With real-world data in hand, WGI moves into conceptual planning. Our civil engineers collaborate closely with other internal disciplines to design efficient, attractive, and functional site layouts:
- Civil Engineering: Grading, drainage, stormwater, and utility planning
- Planning: Zoning compliance and entitlement guidance
- Traffic Engineering: Access management, circulation, and trip generation analysis
- Landscape Architecture: Hardscape, landscape, open space, amenity areas, pedestrian-friendly features, and tree protection and mitigation requirements
- Geospatial Services: Site visualization, modeling, and GIS mapping tools
By integrating these services from the beginning, we ensure all design elements are aligned while avoiding the silos that often lead to rework and project delays.
Step 4: Engineering Design and Permitting – Turning Plans into Approvals
With a vetted concept and preliminary design considerations in place, WGI’s civil engineering team transitions into the technical design phase, where we develop the construction documents that bring your vision to life. In tandem, our multidisciplinary partners ensure the site is compliant with ADA accessibility, landscape and hardscape design requirements, and long-term sustainability, all while keeping your goals and vision at the forefront of the final outcome.
But design is only half the equation. In a city like Denver, securing timely permits is essential to staying on schedule. Our civil engineers work closely with city departments, state agencies, and utility providers to guide your project through the review process. This often includes the City and County of Denver, Denver Water, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Thanks to our familiarity with local expectations and our proactive, relationship-driven approach, we can anticipate challenges, streamline responses, and avoid unnecessary delays.
Throughout this phase, our team manages agency submittals, coordinates cross-discipline revisions, and stays in constant communication with you to ensure the design meets both regulatory standards and your business objectives. By centralizing this process within one integrated team, WGI simplifies what is often one of the most complex parts of land development, positioning your project for a smoother path to approval.
Step 5: Construction Administration – Keeping Progress on Track
Once your project moves to construction, WGI stays involved to ensure it’s built as designed. Our engineers support the project through completion with:
- Submittal reviews and contractor coordination
- Real-time responses to RFIs and site challenges
- Regular field visits scheduled with the owner and contractor
- Grading/stormwater inspections
This level of engagement helps avoid mistakes, keeps the build aligned with approved plans, and protects your timeline and budget.
Step 6: Project Close-Out – Finishing Strong
Once construction nears completion, WGI’s civil engineers help guide your project through its final milestones with precision and care. This may include coordinating punch-list inspections, verifying that infrastructure installations meet design specifications, and identifying any final site adjustments needed for compliance. We don’t just confirm that the work is done – we ensure that it’s done right.
Plan of Record documentation may be prepared to reflect the final, constructed conditions on-site. Our engineers prepare and submit the necessary certifications to the appropriate agencies to confirm that all required elements have been installed correctly and are ready for long-term use.
This phase also involves final concurrence walks, preparation of engineering letters of concurrences, assistance with final close out requirements and documentation, and advising clients on post-construction obligations, such as ongoing stormwater maintenance, infrastructure monitoring, or compliance reporting. By handling these close-out responsibilities with the same attention to detail we bring to the rest of the project, WGI ensures your development transitions seamlessly from construction to operation – giving you peace of mind, confidence in your investment, and a strong start to the next chapter of your property’s life cycle.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to bring your next land development project to life in the Denver area, our local team is here to help!
With deep knowledge of Colorado’s regulatory environment and the full support of WGI’s national network of experts, we offer the experience, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration needed to move your project forward efficiently and confidently.
Contact our team today, and together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible throughout Denver!
