Zoning rules
Presets load typical values. Override any field for your ordinance.
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Practical zoning metrics for early feasibility
Feasibility starts with measurable limits. FAR equals gross floor area divided by lot area; on a 900 m² lot with FAR 1.20, allowed GFA is about 1,080 m². Coverage equals footprint divided by lot area. High coverage often affects stormwater, fire access, and outdoor space. Reviewing FAR and coverage together shows whether massing or footprint is the binding constraint. Open space percentage is computed as (lot area minus footprint) divided by lot area, times 100.
Setbacks as buildable envelope constraints
Setbacks form the buildable envelope. Enter front, rear, and both side distances; the tool checks each against minimums and flags the limiting edge. Shallow lots are commonly rear‑setback controlled, while narrow lots are side‑setback controlled. Keep measurements consistent from property line to closest wall, and record corner‑lot rules in Notes.
Parking, access, and operational fit
Parking is estimated from floor area using a rate per 100 m² and rounded up. Compare required and provided spaces to confirm that stalls, aisles, and loading can fit without pushing coverage beyond limits. If local rules allow shared parking, reductions, or mobility credits, adjust the rate and note the allowance for reviewers. For mixed programs, run multiple cases and adopt the most restrictive parking rate.
Impervious area and site performance checks
Impervious coverage compares total hardscape to lot area. When an impervious cap applies, the check highlights when permeable paving, landscape islands, or green infrastructure may be needed. Even without a published cap, tracking hardscape supports early drainage sizing and aligns grading and utility planning.
Risk scoring and decision-ready reporting
The AI score from 0 to 100 weights each check, so a major FAR miss matters more than a small setback shortfall. Risk labels summarize review effort: Low for clean passes, Moderate for isolated issues, High for multiple or large violations. Export CSV or PDF to share an auditable snapshot with designers, consultants, and agencies. Where dwelling units are known, density per hectare helps confirm residential capacity limits.
FAQs
Does a passing result guarantee permit approval?
No. Overlays, design standards, and site-specific conditions can change outcomes. Use results as a preliminary screen, then confirm with the ordinance and reviewing authority.
What should I enter for gross floor area?
Use the jurisdiction’s definition. Many count enclosed space, exclude some parking areas, and treat mezzanines differently. Consistent GFA inputs are essential for FAR and parking checks.
Why do I see “Needs review” if only one item fails?
One failure can trigger redesign or entitlement work. The status is conservative: any failed check marks the proposal for review so you do not miss a binding requirement.
How are setbacks measured in the calculator?
Inputs are measured from property lines to the closest building face, matching common zoning language. Corner lots and curved streets may use special rules; capture those in Notes and adjust rule values.
How do I handle multiple uses or mixed occupancy?
Select the closest preset, then override parking rates and limits to reflect the dominant or most restrictive use. Run separate scenarios and compare outputs before locking the site plan.
Why is impervious area optional?
Some teams do not track hardscape early, and some jurisdictions manage drainage outside zoning. When you have the data, adding impervious area provides a useful site-performance checkpoint.