A location decision is expensive to reverse, and a short legal diligence list prevents most of the failures.
Zoning. The use permitted by right, or requiring approval, and the timeline and risk of that approval. Obtain a zoning verification letter and, for significant projects, a zoning endorsement to the title policy.
Entitlements. What approvals are required — site plan, special use, variances, plat, curb cut, driveway permit — and the sequence and duration.
Utilities. Capacity confirmed in writing by each provider, connection costs, and the timeline for extension. Electrical capacity for industrial and data uses is now a leading constraint and should be confirmed first.
Access. Legal access to a public road, road authority permits for the proposed access point, and traffic study requirements.
Environmental. Phase I, and a Phase II where warranted, plus wetlands and floodplain review.
Title and survey with the standard exceptions removed.
Taxes and incentives. Current and projected assessment, uncapping on transfer, and available incentives applied for before commitment.
Labour. Availability, prevailing wage obligations if incentives are taken, and any local hiring requirements attached to approvals.
Timeline. Build the critical path from the approvals, not from construction.