Previous Section: Site Acquisition

Predevelopment Activities

A big part of predevelopment concerns entitlement issues handled by local governments.  Entitlements includes everything from zoning to permitting to in some cases utility connections.  COVID-19 has created some challenges here, specifically if the matter requires action by a public governing body.  Some local governing bodies have postponed or cancelled meetings where entitlement actions would take place.  A number of local government offices are closed or open with a reduced workforce.  All that is to say, it is not likely that your entitlement matter will not be outright addressed, but it could be meaningfully delayed.  Some local governments are addressing these matters through online meetings, while others are just having a limited number of meetings.  The key thing to keep in mind in this environment is that getting on the next agenda for action may be more consequential than ever before.  Missing a meeting could push your timeline back by a couple of months or more.  Given that most schools expect to move in immediately and put their facility to use serving students after construction completion, many facilities projects cannot easily absorb this type of delay.

Another interesting consequence of COVID-19 during predevelopment is the impact on traffic studies.[1]  Traffic studies are used to evaluate the impact of the proposed facility on local traffic patterns and mitigation steps the charter school may need to take to address any concerns.  With COVID-19 and a number of jurisdictions under shelter-in-place orders and businesses closed, the traffic patterns today may not be necessarily accurate depictions of normal traffic patterns.

SchoolPrint is a free service to charter schools who need assistance in identifying and working with quality construction service providers, or general assistance in navigating the facilities process. We provide the blueprint schools need to successfully complete their facility projects. If your current facility situation has been further exacerbated by COVID-19 and you need expert advice, please feel free to email us at SchoolPrint@lisc.org.