What Can You Actually Build on Your Property—Before You Spend Thousands
Before your “Free Consultation,” know what your property actually allows.
Even in similar neighborhoods, small differences in your property can create unexpected issues.
That’s exactly what we analyze for you.
Our ADU “Independent Property Feasibility Review” reveals the hidden issues that can delay permits, increase costs, or stop your project before it starts.
Local City Rules (Where It Gets Complicated)
Don’t walk into a contractor meeting unprepared.
Most homeowners don’t realize these issues until they’ve already committed to plans, permits, or a contractor.
Avoid Costly Surprises
Most Homeowners don’t run into problems during design….They run into them after they’ve started.
Zoning restrictions, overlays, fire requirements, lot coverage, drainage, or structural limitations often don’t show up until:
Plans are already drawn--and you feel committed to contractor.
Time and money have already been invested
The project is already in motion
You’re deep into the permit process
Backing out now feels expensive, stressful, or too late
That’s when changes become expensive….
and delays start to stack up
Design standards
What Changes From City to City
Zoning interpretation
Same zoning name may be applied differently
Local ordinances affect placement and size
Setbacks & placement rules
Many cities follow 4 ft side/rear
But placement flexibility can vary
Some cities require:
specific roof pitches
materials
height limits
architectural review
Others are more flexible.
Overlay zones
Big one.
Examples:
hillside areas
historic zones
coastal zones
wildfire zones
These can change requirements significantly.
We are not a contractor. We focus on identifying those risks early—before design, before contracts, and before financing.
So you can move forward with clarity and not surprises.
Many ADU projects begin with a “free consultation,” where design ideas and p financing or monthly payment options are introduced early.
Many times, conversations often focus on budget and financing — before a detailed review of property-specific constraints.
Here’s what actually happens:
Step 1
Initial Visit
(FreeConsultation)
A designer comes out to your property to discuss ideas, layout, and how you plan to use the space.
Focus on possibilities and design direction
Often based on preliminary property data
Not always centered on zoning, overlays, or constraints
Step 2
Follow-Up / Design Review
You’re asked to schedule a second meeting at your home or their office to review concepts and next steps.
Plans start to take shape
Early decisions and direction are often guided by budget and financing structure
A direction is established
The project begins moving forward based on an assumed path
Step 3
Design Moves Forward
At this stage, layouts and design concepts are developed based on your property and goals.
You may begin selecting finishes and features such as:
Floor finishes
Wall colors
Cabinets and countertops
Fixture and design details
As the design progresses, plans are refined, prepared and submitted for building permit.
Step 4
Planning Department sends it back with corrections
Constraints Surface
Zoning limitations
Overlay restrictions
Fire access or safety requirements
Setbacks, parking, or site limitations
Step 5
Corrections Required
Redesigns may be needed
Delays in plan check or approval
Increased project costs
In some cases, projects may need to be scaled back
What we do:
We Review Your Property Before You Commit
We are not an architect, contractor, or lender. We do not sell construction services or plans.
Our role is simple:
Identify potential risks and constraints before you commit,
We do not try to sell you a project.
We help you make informed decisions before spending thousands on designs or permits application fees.
Built on 40 + Years of Real-World Construction Experience
This Feasibility framework is based on decades of hands-on residential construction experience in California, combined with structured zoning and overlay analysis.
We understand how frustrating getting a building permit can be and the anxiety that is caused by the unknown conditions, and how they can impact real-world construction costs and approval timelines.
We are Independent, with No Sales Agenda
What We Analyze
Before you invest in design, understand the constraints first.
We review the key factors that can impact whether your project moves forward smoothly—or runs into delays, added costs, or design limitations.
Zoning and ADU Eligibility
Is an ADU permitted on your lot, and under what limits?
Lot size & Configuration
Does the layout realistically support a detached or conversion ADU?
Hillside & slope conditions
Will grading or structural requirements increase complexity?
Fire Hazard & WUI Exposure
Do fire-zone rules trigger upgraded construction standards?
Coastal & Special Overlays
Are there additional review layers that affect approval timelines?
Parking and Access Requirements
Does transit proximity or garage conversion impact layout?
Utilities & Hidden Site Constraints
Are there easements, access limits, or infrastructure conflicts?
Don’t Spend Thousands Before Knowing This
One overlooked restriction can completely change your project.
If your lot is in a hillside zone, fire severity zone, coastal-overlay or has access limitations, your construction costs and approval path can shift fast.
Most homeowners find this out after they’ve paid for plans.
Know your risk first.
Get Your Property feasibility report
Know where your property stands before you invest in design or construction
$79 is a small amount and can save you thousands on your $100-$300,000 investment
One small detail can delay your Occupancy Permit by weeks or months.
