Direct answer
How do I know if I can build on my property?
Start by identifying the parcel’s governing city or county, official zoning district, overlays, and development standards. Then compare your proposed project with permitted uses, setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, utilities, and site constraints. Buildability organizes that preliminary check and shows its sources, but the governing jurisdiction makes the official determination.
· Status: Verified guidance
How to verify it
Identify the parcel and jurisdiction
Confirm the address, parcel boundary, and whether city or county rules govern.
Sources: Zoning Verification, Buildability data sources
Read the local zoning rules
Check the official map, base district, overlays, permitted uses, and dimensional standards.
Check physical constraints
Review flood, terrain, soil, wildfire, access, utilities, easements, and other site-specific limits.
Sources: National Flood Hazard Layer, Web Soil Survey, 3D Elevation Program, Buildability data sources
Match the proposed project
Compare the intended use and building form with the rules and identify discretionary approvals.
Verify before committing money
Confirm unresolved issues with planning staff and the appropriate licensed professionals.
Sources: Zoning Verification, Buildability data sources
Official and primary sources
- National Flood Hazard Layer
FEMA: Official flood-zone, floodway, and flood-elevation mapping context.
- Web Soil Survey
USDA NRCS: Official soil properties and building-site suitability survey context.
- 3D Elevation Program
USGS: National elevation, slope, and terrain screening context.
- Zoning Verification
City of Austin: Example official process for identifying the governing jurisdiction, mapped zoning, and formal verification.
- Land Development Code
City of Austin: Example official authority for permitted uses, development standards, and project-specific approvals.
- Buildability data sources
Buildability: Preliminary parcel, jurisdiction, zoning, site-constraint, project-matching, and professional-verification workflow.