Site Feasibility

Our Basic Package offers essential architectural services focused on site analysis and code review. We evaluate your property’s physical conditions, zoning, and environmental context, and assess local building codes to identify constraints and opportunities. This package provides a clear foundation for informed design decisions.

Code Review

Zoning codes govern the buildable area, density, lot coverage, building sizes, and parking, among other things. These codes differ for every city and are usually not easy to understand. Understanding the zoning type for a property is a fundamental step in any development project, ensuring compliance with local regulations and avoiding potential legal issues. Zoning approval is often required before obtaining a building permit.

  • Permitted Uses: Zoning defines what types of buildings and activities are allowed in a specific area. This could include: 

    1. Residential: Single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, apartments.

    2. Commercial: Retail, office, mixed-use developments, hotels, restaurants.

    3. Industrial: Manufacturing plants, warehouses, research facilities.

    4. Agricultural: Farming, livestock, open space.

    5. Special Purpose: Planned unit developments, historic districts, open space, floodplains.


    Building Regulations: Zoning ordinances specify requirements for building size, height, setbacks from property lines, lot coverage, and parking. 


    Activity Restrictions: Zoning laws can also regulate specific activities, such as noise levels, hours of operation, signage, and waste management.

  • Zoning Summary Report
    A written summary outlining key zoning regulations applicable to the site, such as permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, floor area ratio (FAR), lot coverage, and parking requirements.

    Code Compliance Matrix
    A chart or table showing how the proposed design complies (or will comply) with applicable zoning and building codes.

    Zoning Diagrams
    Specific drawings that illustrate zoning setbacks, buildable envelope, height limits, and other constraints directly on the site plan

Site Analysis

The property itself influences what to build and where. Topography, views, driveway access, utility locations, trees and vegetation, and rock formations play a role in determining how best to utilize the site. In addition, the local weather, sun path, and wind directions are also influencers.

  • Environmental Site Conditions

    We explore options for house orientation to determine which strategies are best for passive solar, maximizing views, and reducing the impact on the land

    Site Selection

    When trying to choose between various properties or even sites on the same property, we help analyze sites and make suggestions about the pros and cons of each in relation to our client’s anticipated goals for the project.

  • Programming and Planning Presentation

    1. Existing satellite images of the site and surrounding areas over time and topography

    2. Environmental Site Conditions Map

    Site Plan

    1. Property Lot and Dimensions

    2. Existing Building Footprint

    3. Topography 

    4. Other Building Structures

Unsure which package suits your needs?

Contact me to discuss the best fit for your project—schedule a free consultation today.