Zoning Snapshot

Zoning-Snapshot.jpg

Zoning Snapshot

$750.00

Before You Build, Expand, or Buy - Know What the Zoning Allows.

Flat-fee zoning review and written report by licensed architects, with a 30-minute call to review findings and next steps.

Trusted by homebuyers, realtors, and builders across South Orangetown, Clarkstown, and Nyack, NY for clear, practical guidance.

Quantity:
Order Your Zoning Snapshot

You’re thinking about making a change to a property - adding space, building up, or using it differently - and you want to know what’s possible before committing time, money or effort.

Often, the answers aren’t obvious. What seems reasonable or straightforward may be limited by local rules that don’t come up until much later in the process. Getting clarity early helps avoid redesigns, delays, and incorrect assumptions - and can save significant time and money down the road.

Problem → Our Role

The Problem:
“I want to make a change to a property - am I allowed to?”

We hear versions of this question all the time:

  • Can I add a second floor?

  • Can I expand to the side or rear?

  • Can I create a two-family or mother-daughter arrangement?

  • Can I add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?

  • Can I convert this building to another use?

  • What should I know before starting design, budgeting, or making an offer?

These questions often involve local zoning regulations and constraints that aren't obvious at first - and that can significantly shape what’s possible.

Our Role:
As licensed architects with municipal experience, we review the applicable zoning regulations, identify constraints that may affect your plans, and prepare a clear, written summary of what is allowed. The goal is not to design a solution, but to establish an informed starting point - so next steps are based on realistic parameters rather than assumptions.

What’s Included

Each Zoning Review & Summary Report includes:

  • Identification of the zoning district and applicable local zoning regulations

  • Summary of key zoning parameters relevant to the property
    (setbacks, lot coverage, permitted building height, and general FAR limitations)

  • Identification of zoning-related considerations that may affect development
    (overlays, special zoning districts or other municipal provisions)

  • Written, plain-language summary of development allowances and limits

  • 30-minute phone call to review the report and discuss next steps

This service provides zoning review and documentation only.

It does not include site measurements, detailed zoning calculations, environmental investigations, test fits, or architectural design drawings.

Who It’s For

  • Property owners planning additions or alterations

  • Homebuyers seeking clarity prior to purchase

  • Realtors advising clients on property possibilities

  • Builders and developers establishing realistic parameters before design or building

Pricing

Flat Fee: $750

A defined scope, written documentation, and professional review, without hourly billing. Payment confirms your spot in our review queue.

How it works: 

1. Purchase + Submit the Property Information
After purchase, you’ll receive an email with instructions to send your property information and any available documents (survey, listing, or site plan). If documents are limited, we’ll advise on what’s useful.

2. Zoning Review
We identify the zoning district, applicable regulations, and key site constraints such as setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, flood zones, wetlands, or other overlays.

3. Written Zoning Report
We compile a concise PDF summarizing zoning parameters, limitations, and allowances in plain language, so you can make informed decisions.

4. Review Call
We walk through the report during a 30-minute phone call and answer questions related to the zoning findings.

Not sure if this service applies to your situation?

Reach out! We’re happy to help determine whether this is the right first step.

frequently asked questions

  • A Zoning Snapshot is a flat-fee service where we review local zoning regulations, identify key constraints, and provide a clear, written summary of what’s allowed on your property. It’s designed to give you confidence and clarity before design, construction, or a purchase.

  • No. This service focuses on documenting zoning allowances and constraints. It does not include architectural drawings, site measurements, or permit-ready documents. Think of it as the decision-making foundation before moving into design.

  • We need the property address and any available documents such as a survey, MLS listing, or site plan. If you don’t have all of these, that’s fine — we’ll advise on what’s useful to include.

  • You can expect your Zoning Snapshot report within 3–5 business days after we receive your property information. We include a 30-minute review call to walk through the findings.

  • This service documents zoning allowances and constraints. We can flag situations where a variance or special approval may be needed, but actual application assistance is outside the scope of the Zoning Snapshot.

  • The Zoning Snapshot is a natural first step. If you decide to proceed with design or permitting, the information we provide can be seamlessly incorporated into the next phase.

  • Yes. We focus exclusively on properties in South Orangetown, Clarkstown, and Nyack, NY, where we regularly navigate local zoning regulations and municipal review processes. If your property is outside the area, feel free to inquire.

  • Purchase the Zoning Snapshot through our website. After your purchase, you’ll receive instructions to email your property information and any available documents.

  • Absolutely. A Zoning Snapshot clarifies what is allowed on a property before you invest in design, construction, or purchase — helping you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.