US Zoning & Building Codes Guide
Plain-English explanations of zoning laws, building codes, ADU regulations, permit requirements, and construction checklists — organized by state and city, with links to official sources.
Guides
View all guides →Can I Build an ADU? A Complete Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units
Everything you need to know about building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Covers types, requirements, state laws, permits, costs, and timelines for detached ADUs, attached ADUs, JADUs, and garage conversions.
Federal Requirements That Apply to Every US Property
Understand the federal regulations that affect property development nationwide. Covers FEMA flood zones, ADA accessibility, EPA environmental rules, Fair Housing Act implications, and Army Corps wetlands permits.
How Zoning Works in the US: The 6 Layers of Property Regulation
Understand the complete regulatory hierarchy that governs what you can build on any US property -- from federal law down to your HOA. Learn how the 6 layers of zoning and land use regulation interact.
Understanding US Zoning Codes: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to read and understand US zoning codes. This beginner's guide covers zone types, dimensional standards like setbacks and FAR, permitted vs conditional uses, variances, and special permits.
Checklists
View all checklists →ADU Feasibility Checklist: Can You Build an ADU on Your Property?
A step-by-step checklist to determine whether you can build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property, covering zoning eligibility, lot requirements, design constraints, and permitting.
Pre-Purchase Zoning Checklist: What to Verify Before Buying Property
A comprehensive checklist of zoning items to verify before purchasing residential property, including classification, dimensional standards, ADU potential, and deed restrictions.