Zonewise Site Analysis

ZoneWise Site Analysis

Overview

Comprehensive development feasibility analysis combining zoning regulations, parcel geometry, and environmental constraints.

Quick Start

from scripts.analyze_site import analyze_site

result = analyze_site(
    parcel_id="12345678",
    proposed_use="single_family",
    jurisdiction="melbourne"
)
# Returns: feasibility analysis with buildable area, constraints, approval path

Analysis Components

1. Parcel Geometry

from scripts.get_parcel_geometry import get_parcel

parcel = get_parcel(parcel_id="12345678")
# Returns:
# {
#   "lot_area_sf": 10000,
#   "lot_width_ft": 80,
#   "lot_depth_ft": 125,
#   "frontage_ft": 80,
#   "shape": "rectangular",
#   "corner_lot": False
# }

2. Setback Calculation

from scripts.calculate_setbacks import calculate_buildable_envelope

envelope = calculate_buildable_envelope(
    lot_width=80,
    lot_depth=125,
    setbacks={
        "front": 25,
        "rear": 20,
        "side": 7.5
    },
    corner_lot=False
)
# Returns:
# {
#   "buildable_width_ft": 65,
#   "buildable_depth_ft": 80,
#   "buildable_area_sf": 5200
# }

3. FAR & Coverage Analysis

from scripts.calculate_density import calculate_max_building

max_building = calculate_max_building(
    lot_area_sf=10000,
    far=0.5,
    lot_coverage_pct=40,
    max_height_ft=35
)
# Returns:
# {
#   "max_building_sf": 5000,  # FAR limit
#   "max_footprint_sf": 4000,  # Coverage limit
#   "max_stories": 2,  # Based on height
#   "limiting_factor": "lot_coverage"
# }

4. Density Calculation

from scripts.calculate_density import calculate_max_units

units = calculate_max_units(
    lot_area_sf=43560,  # 1 acre
    max_units_per_acre=12,
    min_lot_area_per_unit=3500
)
# Returns:
# {
#   "max_units": 12,
#   "by_density": 12,
#   "by_lot_area": 12,
#   "limiting_factor": "density"
# }

5. Constraint Detection

from scripts.detect_constraints import check_constraints

constraints = check_constraints(parcel_id="12345678")
# Returns:
# {
#   "flood_zone": {"zone": "AE", "bfe": 12},
#   "wetlands": {"present": True, "buffer_ft": 25},
#   "easements": [{"type": "utility", "width_ft": 10}],
#   "historic": False,
#   "coastal": {"cccl": False, "coastal_zone": True}
# }

Full Site Analysis

def analyze_site(
    parcel_id: str,
    proposed_use: str,
    jurisdiction: str,
    proposed_units: int = None
) -> dict:
    """
    Complete site feasibility analysis.
    
    Returns comprehensive analysis including:
    - Zoning compliance
    - Buildable envelope
    - Maximum development potential
    - Constraints and limitations
    - Approval pathway recommendation
    """
    
    # Get parcel data
    parcel = get_parcel(parcel_id)
    
    # Get zoning district
    district = lookup_district(jurisdiction, parcel["zoning"])
    
    # Check use compatibility
    use_status = check_use_allowed(district, proposed_use)
    
    # Calculate buildable envelope
    envelope = calculate_buildable_envelope(
        parcel["lot_width"],
        parcel["lot_depth"],
        district["setbacks"],
        parcel["corner_lot"]
    )
    
    # Calculate max building
    max_building = calculate_max_building(
        parcel["lot_area_sf"],
        district["far"],
        district["lot_coverage_pct"],
        district["max_height_ft"]
    )
    
    # Check constraints
    constraints = check_constraints(parcel_id)
    
    # Adjust for constraints
    adjusted = apply_constraint_adjustments(
        envelope, max_building, constraints
    )
    
    # Determine approval pathway
    pathway = determine_approval_pathway(
        use_status, proposed_units, district, constraints
    )
    
    return {
        "parcel_id": parcel_id,
        "jurisdiction": jurisdiction,
        "district": parcel["zoning"],
        "proposed_use": proposed_use,
        "use_status": use_status,
        "parcel": parcel,
        "buildable_envelope": envelope,
        "max_development": adjusted,
        "constraints": constraints,
        "approval_pathway": pathway,
        "feasibility_score": calculate_feasibility_score(...)
    }

Approval Pathway Logic

def determine_approval_pathway(
    use_status: str,
    proposed_units: int,
    district: dict,
    constraints: dict
) -> dict:
    """Determine required approval process."""
    
    if use_status == "prohibited":
        return {
            "pathway": "not_feasible",
            "reason": "Use not permitted in this district",
            "alternative": "Rezone or find different site"
        }
    
    if use_status == "by_right":
        if not constraints_require_review(constraints):
            return {
                "pathway": "by_right",
                "process": "Building permit only",
                "timeline_days": 30,
                "risk": "low"
            }
    
    if use_status == "conditional":
        return {
            "pathway": "special_exception",
            "process": "Planning board hearing required",
            "timeline_days": 90,
            "risk": "medium",
            "requirements": get_special_exception_requirements(district)
        }
    
    # Variance needed
    return {
        "pathway": "variance",
        "process": "Board of Adjustment hearing",
        "timeline_days": 120,
        "risk": "high",
        "hardship_required": True
    }

Feasibility Score

def calculate_feasibility_score(analysis: dict) -> dict:
    """Calculate 0-100 feasibility score."""
    
    score = 100
    factors = []
    
    # Use status
    if analysis["use_status"] == "prohibited":
        return {"score": 0, "factors": ["Use not permitted"]}
    elif analysis["use_status"] == "conditional":
        score -= 20
        factors.append("Conditional use requires approval (-20)")
    
    # Constraints
    if analysis["constraints"]["flood_zone"]["zone"] in ["AE", "VE"]:
        score -= 15
        factors.append("High-risk flood zone (-15)")
    
    if analysis["constraints"]["wetlands"]["present"]:
        score -= 25
        factors.append("Wetlands present (-25)")
    
    # Buildable area ratio
    buildable_ratio = (
        analysis["buildable_envelope"]["buildable_area_sf"] / 
        analysis["parcel"]["lot_area_sf"]
    )
    if buildable_ratio < 0.3:
        score -= 20
        factors.append("Limited buildable area (-20)")
    
    return {
        "score": max(0, score),
        "rating": get_rating(score),
        "factors": factors
    }

def get_rating(score: int) -> str:
    if score >= 80: return "Excellent"
    if score >= 60: return "Good"
    if score >= 40: return "Fair"
    if score >= 20: return "Poor"
    return "Not Feasible"

Report Generation

from scripts.generate_site_report import generate_report

report_path = generate_report(
    analysis=site_analysis,
    output_format="docx",
    include_maps=True
)

Report Sections

1. Executive Summary
2. Property Information
3. Zoning Analysis
4. Development Potential
5. Constraints Map
6. Approval Pathway
7. Recommendations
8. Appendix (Municode references)

Data Sources

Integration

• District Lookup: Get zoning regulations
• MCP Server: Expose via zonewise_site_analysis tool
• BidDeed.AI: Evaluate foreclosure properties for development

Limitations

• Analysis based on available data; site survey recommended
• Does not account for pending ordinance changes
• PUD districts require individual agreement review
• Coastal construction requires additional review