1. Start with the decision
Each page is built around a buyer decision: what must be checked before closing, whether a proposed use has unresolved blockers or what a cost may look like under stated assumptions.
2. Preserve unknowns
An unanswered high-impact question is not treated as a positive result. It lowers confidence and appears in the next-step list. This is especially important for access, use, water, wastewater and physical constraints.
3. Distinguish screening from determination
- A map can indicate a mapped feature; it does not establish a legal boundary.
- A questionnaire can identify missing evidence; it does not approve a project.
- A cost model can estimate a range; it is not a contractor quote.
- A comp-led value range can organize evidence; it is not an appraisal.
4. Show assumptions
Calculator defaults are examples. Users can edit rates, depth, system type, site difficulty and value adjustments. Results use ranges where uncertainty is material.
5. Prefer primary sources
Legal, regulatory, mapping and program claims should link to government or other primary sources. Source records include owner, geography, intended use, important limitation and last-checked date.
6. Review and correct
High-impact state and regulatory pages should be reviewed on a defined schedule and when a source changes. Material corrections should update both the page and its visible review record.