Can this be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states; ensure the signer demonstrates intent, consents to electronic records, attribution is captured, and a retrievable record is kept.

Not usually for a plain option, but notarization may be required when the option conveys an interest in real property, is used for recording, or when local permit or deed formalities demand it.

What if I need to change the option after signing?

Amendments should be memorialized in writing and signed by all parties. Use a clearly dated amendment or replacement option to avoid disputes over versioning.

Which supporting documents should accompany the option?

Include site drawings, scope exhibits, plant lists, permit checklists, cost breakdowns, and proof of contractor licensing or insurance to streamline review and permitting.

Who is responsible for permits?

Assign permit responsibilities in the option. If not specified, local practice or subsequent contract terms typically determine who submits and pays for permits.

How long should I keep the executed option?

Retain executed copies for at least 3 years after project completion for tax and dispute purposes; extend to 6 years for HIPAA-related records and longer where state law or lien periods require it.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Landscape Planning Option

Landscape Planning Option

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

LANDSCAPE PLANNING OPTION AGREEMENT

This Landscape Planning Option Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: and Landscape Planner: .

Client Address Planner Address

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Client owns or controls the property located at Project Property: (the "Property") and desires professional landscape planning services for the Property; and

WHEREAS, Planner represents that it has the professional qualifications, experience, and capacity to prepare landscape plans, specifications, and related deliverables; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to enter into an exclusive option pursuant to which Client may procure Planner's services for the Project subject to the terms below.

SCOPE OF WORK

Planner shall prepare landscape planning deliverables as described below. Deliverables may include existing conditions survey review, conceptual design, planting plans, grading/irrigation recommendations, material specifications, and one set of revisions unless otherwise agreed. Specific tasks, milestones, and acceptance criteria are set forth in the Scope of Work box below.

Scope of Work (describe tasks, deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria)

OPTION GRANT

Planner hereby grants to Client an exclusive, transferrable option (the "Option") to retain Planner to perform the Scope of Work for the Property during the Option Period defined below. The Option is personal to Client and may be exercised only by written notice delivered to Planner in accordance with the Notice provisions of this Agreement. The Option, if exercised, will convert into a separate services agreement incorporating the Scope of Work and payment terms herein.

Option Fee (non-refundable, credited to project fee if exercised) Option Period (length of exclusivity)

PAYMENT TERMS

Client shall pay Planner the fees and reimburse expenses as follows. The Option Fee is payable upon execution of this Agreement and is non-refundable except as expressly stated below. If Client exercises the Option, the Option Fee shall be applied as a credit toward the total project fee as set forth in the executed services agreement.

Estimated Total Planning Fee Payment Schedule (milestones, deposits, final payment) Late Payment Fee

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement commences on Commencement Date: and shall remain in effect until Expiration Date: unless earlier terminated in accordance with this section. Either party may terminate for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within Cure Period: days after written notice.

Either party may terminate for convenience upon providing Notice Period: days' prior written notice to the other. Termination does not relieve Client of obligation to pay for services rendered through the date of termination.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party shall maintain in confidence all non-public information disclosed by the other party, including technical, financial and business information, drawings, plans, and deliverables (collectively, "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not include information that (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than through a breach of this Agreement, (b) was lawfully in the receiving party's possession prior to disclosure without restriction, or (c) is independently developed without use of the disclosing party's Confidential Information. Receiving party shall use Confidential Information only to perform its obligations under this Agreement and shall restrict access to employees and subcontractors who have a need to know and who are bound to confidentiality obligations no less protective than those set forth herein.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; DELIVERABLES

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Planner retains ownership of its pre-existing intellectual property, methods, templates, and technical know-how. Upon full payment of fees for the work product, Planner grants Client a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use final deliverables for the Property. Client acknowledges that any reuse or modification of deliverables for other sites or projects requires Planner's prior written consent and may require additional fees.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Planner's total liability arising out of or related to this Agreement shall not exceed the total fees actually paid by Client to Planner under this Agreement. Neither party shall be liable for consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages.

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of law principles. Venue for any action arising under this Agreement shall be in the state or federal courts located in the same state.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, understandings, and communications, whether written or oral. Any amendment or modification must be in writing signed by both parties.

NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth above or to such other address as a party may specify by notice in accordance with this provision. Notice is effective upon personal delivery, confirmed delivery by overnight courier, or three (3) days after deposit in the mail with first-class postage prepaid.

CLIENT - Printed Name:

By (Signature):

Date:

PLANNER - Printed Name:

By (Signature):

Date:

What the Landscape Planning Option Is

A Landscape Planning Option is a written proposal that reserves the right to develop or modify outdoor improvements for a property under specified terms. It outlines the planned scope of work, estimated costs, timelines, and conditions for acceptance, and can function as a non-binding offer, a priced option, or the precursor to a formal contract.

Why a Landscape Planning Option Matters

A clearly drafted Landscape Planning Option reduces ambiguity about scope, timing, and cost while preserving the parties’ negotiation space. It helps property owners compare alternatives, organizes approvals and permitting steps, and creates an auditable record that supports later contracting or permit submissions.

Who Typically Prepares or Signs This Option

The Landscape Planning Option is used by parties who need a documented, time-limited proposal before entering a full construction or maintenance contract.

Property owners evaluating design and cost alternatives for yards, commercial sites, or HOA-managed spaces
Landscape contractors and designers proposing phased work, permitting strategies, or alternates
Project managers or facilities teams coordinating permitting, site surveys, and utilities

Use this option to lock in key terms (price estimate, start window, permit responsibilities) while allowing time for approvals and design refinements.

Primary Signers and Roles

Property Owner

Typically a homeowner, landlord, or HOA representative who will authorize site work and approve budgets. The owner’s signature indicates acceptance of the option terms and triggers the acceptance deadline or deposit requirements.

Landscape Contractor

A licensed contractor or designer that prepares the option. Signature confirms the contractor’s availability, pricing assumptions, and responsibility for permitting, inspections, or subcontracted trades when specified.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Option

A complete Landscape Planning Option should balance clarity with flexibility so parties can proceed to a final contract or cancel without dispute.

Scope Summary

Concise description of proposed work: plantings, hardscape, grading, irrigation, lighting, and any exclusions so scope boundaries are clear for pricing and permits.

Deliverables

List drawings, specifications, permitting tasks, and site surveys included with the option, with version or revision numbering for later reference.

Price Estimate

A line-item or lump-sum estimate including allowances and a statement about what triggers a change-order; indicate whether price is fixed or subject to adjustment.

Timeline

Anticipated design, permitting, mobilization, and completion windows with any acceptance or reservation deadline for the option.

Acceptance Terms

How the option becomes binding (signature, deposit, written notice) and what rights the parties gain on acceptance.

Permits & Liabilities

Allocation of responsibility for permit procurement, municipal fees, utility coordination, and who bears cost for code-driven changes.

Step-by-Step: Filling and Issuing the Option

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, deliver, and track acceptance of a Landscape Planning Option.

01

Prepare Draft: Assemble scope, drawings, and estimate; choose acceptance deadline.
02

Add Fillable Fields: Insert name, dates, prices, and signature fields for each signer.
03

Send to Recipient: Distribute as a PDF or eSignature request with clear instructions.
04

Track Acceptance: Record signed copies, deposit receipts, and update project schedule.

How to Configure an Online Workflow

Set up the online workflow to reduce back-and-forth and preserve an audit trail for acceptance and permitting.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Email link plus optional SMS code for signer verification
Template	Save the option as a reusable template with conditional scope fields
Notifications	Auto reminders at 3 and 7 days before the acceptance deadline
Storage	Export PDF/A for long-term retention and permitting submission

Where to Send or File the Completed Option

After completion, route signed copies to the parties and any authority that needs the document for permitting or record.

Owner: Deliver a fully signed copy for project records and financing
Contractor: Contractor retains signed option as basis for mobilization and contracts
Municipal Permit Office: Submit documents required for permit applications when the option triggers permit work
File Storage: Store executed PDF/A and audit trail for the retention period

Sharing and eSubmission Options

Choose distribution methods that preserve the signed record and meet any authentication needs.

Email with Attachments: Standard delivery with time-stamped attachments
eSignature Platforms: Use services integrated with Salesforce or Google Workspace
Secure Storage: Archive signed PDFs in Box or Egnyte for audit readiness

For workflows requiring stronger signer authentication or audit trails, choose a platform that supports multi-factor verification and long-term tamper-evident storage.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for This Document

Common capability and pricing differences that matter when you need secure eSigning, permit-ready PDFs, and audit trails; signNow is listed first per vendor ordering rules.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Security and Compliance Controls to Include

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Audit Trail: Comprehensive timestamp, IP, and action log for each signer

Regulatory Compliance: ESIGN, UETA, HIPAA (BAA available), SOC 2 Type II

Digital Signature Support: PKI/21 CFR Part 11 capabilities on higher tiers

Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA considerations for forms

Data Privacy: GDPR and CCPA-compliant controls available

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Apply these best practices to prevent disputes, speed permitting, and simplify acceptance tracking.

Use Clear, Measurable Scope Language

Describe materials, dimensions, and performance criteria precisely (for example, list plant species and container sizes, specify paver type and joint width). Precise scope language reduces the need for later change orders and eases permit review.

Set a Reasonable Acceptance Deadline

Choose a fixed acceptance window (commonly 7–30 days) tied to pricing assumptions and material lead times. A clear deadline limits exposure to price fluctuations and aligns mobilization planning.

Attach Permitting Responsibilities

Specify which party obtains permits, pays municipal fees, and handles inspections. Assigning responsibility up front prevents last-minute permit denials and determines when work may legally commence.

Preserve a Tamper-Evident Record

Use an eSignature provider that creates tamper-evident PDFs with an audit trail and export to PDF/A for long-term storage to support dispute resolution and permit audits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vague scope descriptions that invite differing contractor interpretations
Missing acceptance deadlines that leave pricing open-ended
Failing to assign permit responsibility before signing
Not preserving an auditable signed copy for municipal review

Key Risks and Potential Consequences

Permit Fines: Municipal penalties or stop-work orders

Contract Disputes: Increased litigation or mediation costs

Payment Withholding: Owner may withhold payments for nonconforming work

Backup Withholding: 24% tax withholding for missing/incorrect TINs

Liens: Subcontractor liens if payment terms are unclear

Record Loss: Inability to prove acceptance without signed archive

Typical Deadlines and Timing Considerations

Plan timeframes around design review, permit processing, and material lead times when setting acceptance and start dates.

Design Review:

Allow 7–21 days for internal design approvals

Acceptance Deadline:

Set a clear date when the option expires (commonly 14–30 days)

Permit Submission:

Expect municipal plan check time that varies by jurisdiction

Start Window:

Specify earliest mobilization date and anticipated duration

Change-Order Notices:

Require written approvals for scope or price adjustments

Key Milestones from Option to Construction

A typical lifecycle from issuance to job completion follows discrete, trackable milestones that should be recorded and dated.

01

Option Issuance

Draft and deliver the option to the owner with a set acceptance period

02

Owner Acceptance

Owner signs and, if required, pays deposit to secure pricing and schedule

03

Permit Acquisition

Contractor submits plans and secures necessary municipal approvals

04

Mobilization & Completion

Work begins within the agreed start window and proceeds to completion per schedule

Illustrative Scenarios

Two common scenarios show how a Landscape Planning Option is used to move projects forward while protecting both parties.

Residential Renovation

Homeowner requests phased hardscape and planting plan to improve curb appeal.

Contractor provides 30-day priced option with drawings and permit checklist.
Acceptance secures mobilization slot and allows contractor to order specialized materials while owner finalizes financing and HOA approvals.

Commercial Site Upgrade

Property manager needs new stormwater landscaping across multiple lots.

Vendor submits a scalable option with per-lot pricing and permit strategy.
Option locks unit pricing for 60 days, enabling bundled permitting and staged construction across fiscal quarters.

How the Option Differs from a Full Landscaping Contract

Quick comparison to help distinguish a non-binding or limited-duration option from a binding contract.

Criteria	Landscape Planning Option	Landscaping Contract
Binding?	often no
Scope Detail	summary estimate	definitive scope
Signatures Needed	yes for acceptance	yes for contract
Permitting Basis	may require later permit	includes permit responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about enforceability, signing, notarization, and post-acceptance changes for the Landscape Planning Option.

Need help? Contact support

Can this be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states; ensure the signer demonstrates intent, consents to electronic records, attribution is captured, and a retrievable record is kept.
Do I need a notary?
Not usually for a plain option, but notarization may be required when the option conveys an interest in real property, is used for recording, or when local permit or deed formalities demand it.
What if I need to change the option after signing?
Amendments should be memorialized in writing and signed by all parties. Use a clearly dated amendment or replacement option to avoid disputes over versioning.
Which supporting documents should accompany the option?
Include site drawings, scope exhibits, plant lists, permit checklists, cost breakdowns, and proof of contractor licensing or insurance to streamline review and permitting.
Who is responsible for permits?
Assign permit responsibilities in the option. If not specified, local practice or subsequent contract terms typically determine who submits and pays for permits.
How long should I keep the executed option?
Retain executed copies for at least 3 years after project completion for tax and dispute purposes; extend to 6 years for HIPAA-related records and longer where state law or lien periods require it.

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