Project Location:

228 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76701 

Project Overview

When the renowned Austin-based BBQ establishment chose Waco for their fifth Texas location, they needed an experienced civil engineering firm to navigate complex site challenges and aggressive timelines. Our team delivered complete site civil engineering services from concept through construction completion in April 2024 

Civil Engineering Services Delivered

Site Grading & Stormwater Management

Our civil engineers designed a comprehensive drainage system that meets both City of Waco Development Services and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) stormwater regulations. The site grading plan optimized drainage efficiency while minimizing earthwork and construction costs—critical for this commercial restaurant development timeline.

Utility Design & Coordination

We managed all utility engineering aspects for this Waco commercial site:

• Coordinated water and sewer tap design with City of Waco Water Department

• Designed complete on-site utility infrastructure

• Fire protection system design meeting fire marshal requirements

• Domestic water service sizing for high-volume restaurant operations

• Sanitary sewer service design and connection

Traffic Engineering & Site Access

Working directly with the City of Waco Traffic Department, we secured driveway permits for dual access points on S. 7th Street and Mary Avenue. Our traffic engineering design accommodates high-volume restaurant traffic flow while meeting municipal access standards.

Construction Documentation

Our team produced complete construction-ready plan sets including:

• Comprehensive site plan and grading design

• Water, sewer, and storm drain utility plans

• Drainage area mapping and hydraulic calculations

• Erosion control plans and SWPPP documentation

• Construction details and specifications

Engineering Challenges Overcome

This Waco commercial development presented several technical challenges requiring creative civil engineering solutions:

1. Adjacent Property Drainage Coordination – Designed drainage system to integrate with neighboring properties without impacts

2. Tree Preservation – Met City of Waco parking requirements while preserving mature trees on site

3. Expedited Permitting – Fast-tracked approval process to meet client's aggressive construction schedule

4. High-Traffic Design – Engineered site to handle peak restaurant traffic volumes

Project Results

✓ Successfully permitted through City of Waco Development Services
✓ Construction completed April 19, 2024
✓ Restaurant opened to enthusiastic local reception
✓ Drainage system performing as designed through multiple storm events
✓ Zero post-construction engineering issues

Why Choose Merritt Engineering for Commercial Site Development in Waco?

Our civil engineering firm brings decades of experience in Central Texas commercial development. We understand Waco's municipal requirements, soil conditions, and drainage challenges. From restaurants to retail centers, we deliver site engineering solutions that meet schedules and budgets.

Ready to discuss your Waco commercial development project? Contact our civil engineering team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What civil engineering services are required for a restaurant development in Waco?

Restaurant developments in Waco typically require comprehensive civil engineering services including:

• Site grading and drainage design meeting TCEQ standards

• Water and sewer utility design and coordination with City of Waco

• Stormwater management and detention systems

• Traffic engineering and driveway permit applications

• Fire protection system design

• Erosion control plans and SWPPP documentation

• Construction plan sets for permitting

How long does City of Waco permitting take for commercial projects?

Permitting timelines vary based on project complexity and completeness of submittal. Standard commercial site development permits can take 5-8 weeks. However, with proper coordination and complete engineering plans, we can often expedite the process. Our experience with City of Waco Development Services helps streamline approvals.

Do I need a civil engineer for a commercial development in Waco?

Yes. The City of Waco requires sealed engineering plans from a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for commercial site development projects. Civil engineers handle site grading, drainage, utility design, and ensure compliance with city codes and TCEQ regulations.

What is involved in stormwater management for commercial sites in Waco?

Stormwater management in Waco involves designing systems that meet City of Waco drainage criteria and TCEQ water quality standards. This typically includes:

• Drainage area calculations and hydraulic modeling

• Detention or retention pond design (if required)

• Storm sewer and inlet design

• Water quality measures for pollutant removal

• Erosion and sediment controls during construction

How much parking is required for restaurants in Waco?

The City of Waco typically requires parking based on building square footage and seating capacity. For restaurants, parking requirements generally range from 1 space per 100-200 SF of gross floor area, depending on the specific use and zoning. The Terry Black's project includes 60 parking spaces for the 11,000 SF building.

What utilities need to be coordinated for a commercial restaurant site?

Commercial restaurant developments require coordination of multiple utilities:

• Water service - Domestic water for restrooms, kitchens, and fire protection

• Sanitary sewer - Properly sized for restaurant grease trap requirements

• Storm drainage - Managing runoff from impervious surfaces

• Fire protection - Adequate water supply and pressure for sprinkler systems

• Electric and gas - Coordinated with utility providers (separate from civil scope)

Does Waco require special drainage considerations for commercial sites?

Yes. Waco sits in an area with clay soils and can experience intense rainfall events. Commercial developments must address:

• Post-development runoff cannot exceed pre-development rates

• Water quality treatment for commercial parking lots

• Coordination with City of Waco drainage infrastructure

• Compliance with TCEQ construction general permit requirements

What areas does Merritt Engineering serve for commercial site development?

Merritt Engineering provides civil engineering and site development services throughout Central Texas, including Waco, Temple, Belton, Killeen, Bryan-College Station, and surrounding communities. We're experienced with the requirements of multiple municipalities in the region.

How much does civil engineering cost for a commercial restaurant project?

Civil engineering fees vary based on site complexity, size, and project requirements. Factors affecting cost include site conditions, utility availability, drainage challenges, and permitting complexity. We provide detailed proposals after an initial site evaluation and discussion of project goals.

Can you help with projects that need fast-track permitting?

Yes. We have extensive experience expediting commercial projects through municipal approval processes. Our established relationships with City of Waco departments and thorough understanding of requirements help minimize delays. The Terry Black's project demonstrates our ability to deliver on aggressive timelines.

Do you provide services beyond civil engineering?

While our core expertise is civil engineering and site development, we coordinate closely with architects, surveyors, geotechnical engineers, and contractors to ensure seamless project delivery. We can recommend trusted partners for services outside our scope.