Before you buy the lot.

Start a property evidence file

Collect the survey if available, parcel information, listing materials, existing drawings and known reports. Ask your lawyer to review title, easements, rights of way and acquisition conditions. Ask your design team what measurements and site information they require; do not treat approximate listing dimensions as design inputs.

Screen planning and physical constraints

Use Ottawa’s zoning map as an initial reference, then confirm the applicable provisions with the City and your planning adviser. Identify use, setbacks, height, site-specific provisions and overlays. Record the date and the version of the information used.

Walk the site with the right team. Discuss slope, drainage, neighbouring foundations, construction access, deliveries and space for staging. Identify trees early: protected trees may need separate permission before injury or removal. Heritage status may also affect proposed work and approvals.

Ask what services the project needs

Discuss the existing and required water, sanitary, storm, electrical and other utility connections. Request written clarification about capacity investigations, upgrades, connection responsibility and restoration of disturbed areas. A serviced street does not by itself tell you what the proposed building will require.

Write a go / investigate / stop memo

Use three columns: confirmed facts, assumptions needing evidence and unresolved conditions that could change the decision. For each open item, name who will investigate it, what evidence is needed and when you must decide.

Bring the site concept, approvals questions and preliminary cost categories into one review. The useful output is a list of decision-critical unknowns and the cost of resolving them—not a promise that a building will be approved.