Landmines — flags that cap this score
⚑ Bedrock within ~36 cm of the surface · caps this score at 70
Shallow bedrock means blasting or rock excavation for foundations, utilities, and any septic field — a cost multiplier the listing photos never show. A geotechnical bore confirms depth at the build site. (USDA SSURGO (brockdepmin))
Score factors & provenance
| Zoning | 79 | Austin open zoning layer (free) |
| Flood | 95 | FEMA NFHL |
| Seismic | 90 | USGS Seismic |
| Soil | 84 | USDA SSURGO |
| Radon | 90 | EPA Radon |
| Wildfire | 85 | USFS WHP |
| Utilities | 95 | OSM Overpass |
| Terrain | 81 | USGS 3DEP |
| Lot shape | 94 | Buildability engine |
Computed live from public federal sources by the Buildability Score engine (current methodology: v2) — deterministic and reproducible, not asserted. Generated September 16, 2026. Data sources · Accuracy
Informational only — not a permit, appraisal, or professional engineering opinion. Verify with your local planning department before acting on it. See Terms and data sources.
Questions about this score
What is the Buildability Score™ for 1706 NILES RD, AUSTIN, TX, 78703?
1706 NILES RD, AUSTIN, TX, 78703 carries a Buildability Score of 70 out of 100 (grade B). The score is composed from 9 weighted factors — each cited to its federal or jurisdictional source and re-runnable live on this page.
What does a grade B mean?
Grade B reads as a strong build site with minor standing constraints. The grade is derived from the numeric score (70/100) on the published Buildability™ scale.
Which factor most affects 1706 NILES RD, AUSTIN, TX, 78703?
The weakest factor at this address is zoning (scored 79). That's the factor most likely to constrain what a design can carry, and the one to inspect first before committing capital.
What's this parcel's strongest attribute?
Flood scores 95 out of 100 — the highest of the 9 factors read for this address.
Where does the data come from?
Every factor cites the federal or jurisdictional dataset it came from — FEMA (flood), USGS (seismic), USFS (wildfire), EPA (radon), USDA/NRCS (soil), and the local jurisdiction's own zoning record where available. Sources are queried live and re-run on refresh; the score cannot outrun its data.
Does the Buildability Score account for local zoning in Austin, TX?
When Austin, TX's zoning record is on our roster, the score reads the jurisdiction's own dimensional standards for the district this parcel sits in. When it isn't, the zoning factor drops out rather than being estimated — which is why parcels in un-rostered jurisdictions still return a score, just one that doesn't count zoning.
Is this an official determination?
No. The Buildability Score™ is a preliminary due-diligence read, not an entitlement or permit approval. Governing bodies retain sole authority over binding land-use decisions. The score's role is to make the diligence conversation faster and better-grounded, not to replace it.