Building Code vs. Zoning Code: Understanding the Difference
When planning a new building or development, two terms often cause confusion: building codes and zoning codes. They sound similar. However, they serve very different purposes. One focuses on how a structure is built. The other focuses on where and what you are allowed to build. If you are a property owner, developer, architect, or […]
How Austin’s Policies Turned a Housing Crisis Into a Boom
Austin’s skyline didn’t rise by accident. Its rents didn’t cool down because of luck. And cranes didn’t sprout across the metro area because developers suddenly felt generous. Austin built. A lot. Over the last decade, the city has delivered thousands of new apartments and homes. When rents spiked during the pandemic, supply eventually caught up. […]
Residential Construction Cost per Square Foot by Zip Code Calculator
Building a home starts with one big question. How much will it cost? Many people look for a single number. But construction costs are never that simple. The cost to build a home changes by state, city, and even zip code. Labor rates differ. Material prices shift. Permit fees rise and fall. Local rules also […]
How to Calculate Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for Different U.S. States
Understanding Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is essential for developers, investors, and property owners. FAR determines how much building space you can construct on a given lot. It impacts density, design, and project feasibility. In this article, we will break down FAR, explain how it works, and explore how limits vary across the United States. What […]
SB 79 vs AB 2097: What California Developers and Owners Must Know
California land use rules are shifting fast. Two laws that often come up in planning conversations are SB 79 and AB 2097. Both focus on development near transit. Both limit local control. Still, they do very different things. This article explains those differences in plain terms. It is written for planners, developers, property owners, and […]
How Much Does It Cost to Split a Lot in California? A Complete Cost Guide
California has changed how land can be divided. For property owners, this has created more opportunity. At the same time, it has also created confusion. Traditional lot splits are no longer the only option. State laws such as SB9, SB1123, and SB684 now offer alternative ways to divide land. These laws are faster and often […]
Why the LA Housing Department Requires Subordination Agreement
Affordable housing projects in Los Angeles come with added legal steps. One of the most common—and most misunderstood—is the subordination agreement. Many property owners only hear about it near the end of a project. At that point, delays feel frustrating and expensive. The good news is that the concept itself is not complicated. Once you […]
How to Avoid Construction Project Delays Through Early Agency Coordination
Construction projects can be complicated. Even small delays can become big problems. Permits can take longer than expected. Agencies may ask for more documents. Miscommunication between teams slows work. For developers and property owners, time is money. The good news is that most delays can be avoided. Early coordination with agencies helps projects stay on […]
Zoning Flexibility: Myth vs Reality
Every real estate deal starts with optimism. You see land. You see opportunity. And you imagine what it could become. A small house on a large parcel. Acres of open space. Close enough to a desirable area to spark ideas. Maybe housing. Maybe hospitality or something unconventional. Then reality shows up. And its name is […]
Why Zoning Reform Is Key to Solving the Housing Crisis
Every time housing costs rise, the same argument comes back. People blame developers. They blame investors and they blame growth. It’s easy to point at cranes and concrete and assume they’re the cause of everything that feels broken. But that story skips over the real issue. The quiet one. The boring one. Zoning… Zoning doesn’t […]
