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How to Read a ZoneAI Zoning Summary

What each field in ZoneAI means and how to use zoning data in your feasibility analysis.

Written by Mikaila McLane

When you click a parcel, ZoneAI reads that jurisdiction's municipal code and surfaces the relevant zoning data. Here's what each field means and how to use it in your analysis.

Zone Code & Classification

The zone code (e.g., R-2, SF-10, C-1) is the designation assigned to the parcel by the local jurisdiction. The classification tells you the category — Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Mixed Use, and so on. If a parcel is unzoned (common in rural Texas and other counties), ZoneAI will indicate that rather than leaving the field blank.

Permitted Uses

The list of uses the zoning code allows on this parcel. This is one of the most important fields for early-stage feasibility — it tells you whether your intended use (single-family residential, multifamily, commercial, etc.) is permitted by right, permitted conditionally, or not permitted at all. Conditional uses typically require additional approvals from the local planning authority.

Minimum Lot Size

The smallest lot area allowed in this zone, usually expressed in square feet or acres. This directly determines how many lots can fit on a parcel and is the primary driver of your yield estimate in SiteAI.

Minimum Lot Width & Depth

The minimum frontage width and depth each lot must meet. SiteAI 3.0 enforces these automatically in every generated plan — ZoneAI passes these values directly into SiteAI's zoning parameters step so you don't have to enter them manually.

Setbacks

The minimum distances structures must be set back from the front, rear, and side lot lines. Setbacks reduce the buildable footprint within each lot. SiteAI accounts for setbacks when determining whether your home model fits within the generated lot.

Maximum Height & Coverage

Height limits cap how tall structures can be. Maximum lot coverage limits what percentage of the lot can be covered by impervious surface. Both affect product design and are relevant for multifamily and commercial projects in particular.

Density

Where available, ZoneAI surfaces the maximum allowed density — typically expressed as dwelling units per acre. Use this alongside minimum lot size to understand the upper bound on your yield.

When ZoneAI Data Looks Wrong

ZoneAI interprets municipal code data from a national database. Jurisdictions update their codes on their own schedules, and some smaller jurisdictions have limited digital data available. If a value looks off, cross-reference with the jurisdiction's official zoning map or municipal code before relying on it. If you find a consistent error in a specific jurisdiction, contact support and we'll flag it for review.

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