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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Texas Zoning Variance Application Checklist
Imagine this: you’ve found the perfect lot for your dream home or commercial project in Texas. Everything looks great—until you realize that zoning rules might stand in your way. Maybe the setback is too big, the building height limit too low, or your lot shape just doesn’t fit the standard. That’s where a zoning variance […]
The Complete Guide to Zoning Laws Florida (2026 Edition)
Zoning laws Florida affect almost every property transaction. Whether you’re buying land, building a home, or starting a business, understanding these rules is essential. Many property owners assume zoning only matters for developers. In reality, it shapes neighborhood character, property value, and what you can legally do with your land. This guide will break zoning […]
All About Zoning Setbacks for Garages in Austin
Austin is growing fast. Homes are popping up, lots are being split, and homeowners want to improve their properties. Adding a garage seems simple, right? Just pick a spot and build. Not quite. Zoning laws in Austin make it a bit trickier. Even for small garages or accessory buildings, there are rules about how close […]
Expert Guide on the Land Development Code Austin (2026)
Austin is growing fast, and with that growth come questions: Where can new homes or businesses be built? How tall can buildings be? What rules keep neighborhoods safe and livable? The Land Development Code (LDC) is the city’s guide to answering these questions. The LDC is more than just rules—it helps balance growth with community […]
