What term describes the elevation of a project site before construction begins?

The term that describes the elevation of a project site before construction begins is indeed related to existing conditions on the site. Existing grade stakes mark the current elevation or the ground level prior to any earthwork or construction activities. They are crucial for establishing a baseline against which future work can be measured and for ensuring that the project adheres to design specifications.

Base course and surface course pertain to components of pavement structures, focusing on the layers of materials laid during the construction process rather than the site's initial elevation. Finish grade stakes indicate the final elevation after all grading work is completed, which is post-construction, rather than reflective of the site's pre-construction state.