Example Eastside ADU study
This sample shows how Build Eastside organizes an early property screen: what may fit, how the estimate was calculated, what the maps can and cannot confirm, and what to verify before design or permitting.
What this first pass tested
One new ADU appears possible in this illustrative example
The example has enough calculated floor area and building coverage for an ADU. A survey and site-specific review are still needed to prove that a legal, usable footprint fits between the house, setbacks, access, trees, easements, and other constraints.
Attached addition
- Estimated footprint
- Up to 600 sq ft
- Two-story living area
- Up to 1,200 sq ft
Example controlling limit: ADU living-area cap.
Detached ADU
- Estimated footprint
- 600 to 800 sq ft
- Two-story living area
- Up to 1,200 sq ft
Example controlling limits: ADU living-area cap and practical placement.
Is an ADU allowed?
Screen the zoning district, dwelling count, and ADU form against the jurisdiction rules available for the address.
How large could it be?
Compare the local ADU cap with remaining FAR or GFA, lot coverage, and other applicable dimensional limits.
Could it fit on the lot?
Use mapped parcel and building context to identify a possible area, then state what still needs a survey or professional review.
How the estimate is supported
A real report uses the property records and jurisdiction rules available for the submitted address. The practical estimate is controlled by the smallest applicable limit. Unknown inputs are identified for confirmation instead of being treated as a pass.
Starting area used for this example only.
Synthetic house and garage footprint used in the sample.
3,500 sq ft example limit minus 2,400 sq ft existing footprint.
Illustrative floor-area capacity after the existing home is counted.
The report compares jurisdiction rules with the capacity left on the lot.
Controlled by the smallest applicable example limit, not by a target size entered by the homeowner.
Parcel, terrain, and setback context
Real reports include saved map images when dependable public layers are available. These abstract diagrams show the type of context each map provides without depicting a real parcel or location.
Parcel and building context
Helps compare the parcel outline, existing structures, access, and a possible area for further testing.
Terrain and mapped constraints
Surfaces public topography and constraint layers that may change design, drainage, access, or the need for specialist review.
Base setback context
Shows a preliminary setback screen. It does not prove a buildable pad, structure separation, or survey accuracy.
What appears workable and what still matters
Calculated area remains for one ADU
The synthetic FAR / GFA, coverage, and ADU size limits support the example estimate shown above.
Area capacity does not prove placement
A survey must establish property lines and existing structures before setbacks, building separation, easements, trees, access, and a contiguous footprint can be confirmed.
Utilities and private restrictions can change the plan
Sewer or septic capacity, utility routing, construction access, HOA documents, and recorded covenants are outside a basic zoning-area calculation.
Sources and important limitations
A completed report links the exact public sources used for that address and records which facts came from public data or homeowner confirmation.
What this first pass does not replace
- A current boundary and topographic survey
- Title, easement, covenant, or HOA review
- Geotechnical, arborist, civil, structural, or utility analysis
- A code-compliant design, permit application, or city approval
Run a free feasibility study for your address.
Confirm the public property information, choose the project type, and receive a private first-pass report with the applicable calculations, maps, findings, sources, and next questions.