Lot Feasibility Checklist: 12 Things to Check Before Design

Zoning tells you how many homes are allowed; the site tells you how many actually fit. Check these twelve items, roughly in this order, before you pay for full design.

The Checklist

1. 01
   Jurisdiction

   Confirm the parcel is inside city limits, not unincorporated county land, on the county assessor's site.
2. 02
   Zone and city tier

   Look up the zoning designation and the city's middle housing rules.
3. 03
   Walking distance to major transit

   A quarter-mile walk can double the minimum in Tier 1 and 2 cities; a half-mile walk removes parking requirements in every tier.
4. 04
   Sewer

   Is the lot connected? Where is the main, how deep is it, and does the new layout drain to it by gravity?
5. 05
   Water and fire flow

   Is the water main large enough for additional meters and, for multiplexes, fire sprinklers?
6. 06
   Power

   Can the utility serve multiple meters from the existing transformer, or is an upgrade needed?
7. 07
   Slopes and geology

   Mapped steep slopes or landslide hazards trigger geotechnical work.
8. 08
   Wetlands and streams

   Buffers can remove a large share of buildable area.
9. 09
   Trees

   Significant trees, their root zones and the city's retention requirements.
10. 10
    Access

    Lot width, driveway location, alley availability and fire department access distances.
11. 11
    Title

    Easements, covenants, HOA rules and any recorded restrictions on dwellings per lot.
12. 12
    Frontage and fees

    Required sidewalk, curb or street trees, plus impact and connection fees.

Red Flags That Usually End a Project

• Sewer more than a few hundred feet away with no planned extension
• A wetland or stream buffer covering most of the lot
• A recorded covenant limiting the lot to one dwelling, with an HOA that enforces it
• A flag lot with an access strip too narrow for required fire access

Yellow Flags That Add Cost but Rarely Stop a Project

• Moderate slope requiring retaining walls
• An old side sewer needing replacement
• Several significant trees in the building zone
• A required frontage improvement

Get the Checklist Done for You

Our free lot review covers items 1–3 and a first look at 4–12. The paid feasibility package completes all twelve with utility letters and site plans. → Feasibility, Design & Permits