Engineering the Twin Cities: Infrastructure Planning Tips for Residential Land Development

paulwallick
Aug 1
3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

In the Twin Cities, every site comes with opportunities and limitations. Zoning, stormwater management, utility connections, and sidewalk requirements vary from city to city. Getting it wrong early can cost time, money, and momentum.

Whether you're planning a new subdivision or preparing an infill site, here’s a breakdown of what to expect, with rules of thumb and insights we use with clients across the metro.

Roads and Access – Layout Comes First

20 to 22 percent of the site typically goes to streets and right-of-way
ROW width: 50 to 60 feet is common in residential areas
Cul-de-sacs: 40 foot radius to curb is standard
Plan for snow storage, driveway spacing, and emergency vehicle access

"Your street layout affects everything. It sets the structure for lot count, drainage, and grading."

Water and Sewer – Start with Availability

Water

8 inch mains are standard for fire protection
Hydrant spacing is typically 300 to 400 feet
Looping improves both flow and reliability

Sanitary Sewer

8 inch gravity mains at 0.4 to 0.8 percent slope
Manholes every 300 to 400 feet
Lift stations are uncommon, but should be identified early if needed

"Water and sewer are not always at your doorstep. Confirm location and capacity before you finalize a layout."

Stormwater – Capture, Treat, and Control

10 to 15 percent of the site is often needed for stormwater systems
Cities require both rate and volume control
Most sites also require water quality treatment
Underground systems are common on tight or high-value lots

"Stormwater design is about more than runoff. In the Twin Cities, water quality is part of every approval."

Grading and Earthwork – Align Early with Utilities

Maintain at least 2 percent slope away from buildings
Avoid slopes steeper than 3 to 1 unless reinforced
Balance cut and fill to manage cost
Match grading with sewer depth to avoid deep excavation

"Grading is where civil design becomes real cost. When done right, it supports every system across the site."

Dry Utilities – Route Smart and Coordinate Early

Trench depth: 24 to 36 inches
Easement width: 10 to 15 feet, usually on one side of the street
Joint trenching is common for electric, gas, fiber, and telecom
Avoid utility conflicts with storm sewer and tree preservation

"Coordinating utilities early avoids schedule delays and redesigns during construction."

Sidewalks, Mailboxes, and Open Space – Details that Matter

Sidewalks: 5 feet wide, usually set back 2 feet from curb
ADA ramps required at all crossings and intersections
Cluster mailboxes required for all new residential development
Many cities require trail links or park dedication based on lot count

"These items may seem minor, but they often drive both public perception and planning commission feedback."

How the Land Really Breaks Down

Use	Rule of Thumb
Roads and Right-of-Way	20 to 25 percent
Stormwater Management	10 to 15 percent
Park Dedication or Open Space	5 to 8 percent
Buildable Lots	55 to 65 percent

"Ten acres does not mean ten acres of homes. A well-planned site balances density with functionality and compliance."

Working in the Twin Cities? Let’s Plan It Right From the Start

At Land Pro Civil, we help landowners, developers, and builders navigate the infrastructure, entitlement, and engineering process throughout the Twin Cities metro. Whether you're building five homes or fifty, we can help you move faster and avoid costly surprises.