Check early on with your land use consultant to make sure the zoning allows the proposed project.  Many projects run in to trouble when applicants do not fully consider the potential impacts of their project on neighboring land uses. Make sure that you think about how to make your project a good neighbor for the surrounding area.  In Washington, erosion control, drainage, and storm water runoff are critical issues. Try to design your project to have the least off-site impacts including transportation, glare, noise, drainage, lights, and general activity. Consider landscaping with native plants.  Talk a bit with neighbors in order to determine the critical neighborhood issues. Think about how you could avoid or positively address those critical concerns.

 
Develop a game plan. Talk with your banker and determine your budget and if there are any other timing or financial restrictions.
Meet with your land use consultant to set up a project schedule.

Determine a time line. Include time for due diligence and application preparation, review and approval. Plan for at least a three-week appeal period for each land use approval.  Meet with utility providers and local officials. Try to determine if there will be adequate services or if there are other issues before you buy the property.