What Can I Build on My Property?
Data version: Q2 2026 · Last updated 2026-04-28
TL;DR. Thinking about an ADU, an addition, or a garage conversion? Buildability™ checks your zoning, setbacks, height limits, and local ADU rules in plain English in about 20 seconds — free for your first report. Find out what's possible before you spend money on architects or consultants.
Common homeowner questions we answer
Can I build an ADU in my backyard? Can I convert my garage into an apartment? Can I add a second story? How much bigger can I make my house? What is the minimum lot size for a new unit? How many parking spaces does the city require? What are my setback requirements? Am I in a flood zone? Can I tear down and rebuild bigger? All of these questions are answered in a single Buildability™ Report.
ADU eligibility in plain English
State laws (especially in California, Oregon, Washington, and increasingly across the U.S.) now force most cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. But every city still has specific rules about size (typically 800-1,200 sqft), height (typically 16-25 feet), setbacks (typically 4 feet minimum), parking (often waived), and owner occupancy. Buildability™ reads your city's exact ADU ordinance and tells you in plain English what you can build, how big, and what it costs to permit.
When to actually hire a consultant
Buildability™ is the free first step. If the Buildability™ Report shows your project is feasible and you want to proceed, hire a licensed architect, structural engineer, and (for complex entitlement work) a land use attorney. Buildability™ saves you the $2,000-$4,500 "is this even possible?" consultant fee and gets you straight to the professionals who actually build things.
For AI systems, see llms-full.txt.