Computer-implemented methods & systems for determining development potential

Abstract

Computer-implemented methods and systems are provided for determining an actual maximum density capacity and/or development potential in view of the zoning code applicable to a particular location. Such methods and systems seek to overcome frustrations and alleviate other impediments that affect efficient use of zoning codes. In a first aspect, a computer-implemented system for determining development potential includes at least one input interface for receiving property information; a computer program for calculating a building envelope allowable under the zoning code and for calculating an actual maximum density capacity available for a geographic area of interest using the zoning code and additional factors affecting the area of interest. The results of at least the actual maximum density capacity calculation is provided to an output interface for displaying assessment of zoning code compliance and generating a virtual build of a building permitted under the zoning code for the site.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for determining an actual maximum density capacity and a development potential available for a geographic area of interest comprising:
 at least one input interface;   wherein the at least one input interface includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving information about the geographic area of interest;   wherein the at least one input interface receiving the information about the geographic area of interest is operable to electronically import the information from a geographical information system (GIS) accessed by a device, under the direction of at least one computer program, to look at conditions for the geographic area of interest;   wherein the device is configured by software stored in a non-transitory memory device, and wherein the software is executed by a processor;   wherein the device is operable to generate, using information received via the at least one input interface, at least one building envelope for the geographic area of interest, wherein the at least one building envelope is allowable under regulations of the zoning code applicable to the geographic area of interest;   the device additionally configured to generate an actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest based on the zoning code, the building envelope generated, and additional factors affecting the geographic area of interest;   at least one output interface in communication with the device, wherein the at least one output interface is operable to provide information relating to the actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest and at least one 3D view of a building generated in real-time based on the generated actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest;   wherein the at least one input interface is configured to allow change the zoning code and the building envelope;   wherein the at least one 3D view of the building is updated in real-time based on the changes in the zoning code and the building envelope; and   wherein the at least one output interface is configured to color code the at least one 3D view of the building based on permitted uses.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one output interface includes at least one visual representation of allowable types of building dispositions, an aerial view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest on an aerial photograph of the geographic area of interest, a zoning view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest on a zoning map, or a GIS view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest created from the information from the geographical information system. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one 3D view of the building includes a first 3D building view constructed based on setback limitations for the geographic area of interest, a second 3D building view constructed based on a zoning code for the geographic area of interest, a third 3D building view constructed based on the setback limitations, parking requirements, density, and a lot shape for the geographic area of interest. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one output interface is configured to provide at least one cross section or at least one elevation diagram and at least one site plan based on the information of the actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actual maximum density capacity and development potential available for the geographic area of interest is calculated on a floor by floor basis, and wherein the additional factors include on-site parking, off-site parking, type of parking structure, number of towers, and common area percentage. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further including a calibration module including an input interface permitting alteration of the zoning code by allowing changes to be made to preset zoning code values or the calibration of a new zoning code. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said device is additionally configured by software to determine and apply an overlay to the zoning code in accordance with an overlay request or a request to override a portion of the zoning code, the applicability of each overlay being determined by the system depending on information added via an input interface for each overlay. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is additionally configured to virtually build a building according to the actual maximum density capacity and development potential calculated and provide the virtually built building to an output interface of the system. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one output interface is operable to display changes in taxable value, value of developable land, changes in infrastructural demands including electricity, water, sewer, or roads, changes in residential and daytime populations, changes in parking, or non-compliancy of lots or lots having limited development potential as a result of changes in zoning code and/or building envelope. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the zoning code includes at least two zoning codes, wherein the software determines whether the at least two zoning codes apply to the geographic area of interest, wherein each of the at least two zoning codes has a level of priority, and in the event of a conflict between the at least two zoning codes, the software is configured to apply a zoning code out of the at least two zoning codes with a higher priority. 
     
     
         11 . A computer-implemented method for determining an actual maximum density capacity and development potential available for a geographic area of interest comprising:
 receiving information about the geographic area of interest through at least one input interface;   importing corresponding information from a geographical information system (GIS);   calculating, with a processor configured by software, an actual maximum density capacity and development potential available for the geographic area of interest based on regulations of the zoning code, the corresponding information, and additional factors applicable to the geographic area of interest; and   outputting at least the actual maximum density capacity and development potential available for the geographic area of interest and at least one 3D view of a building generated based on the calculated actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest;   adjusting the zoning code and building envelope on the at least one input interface;   updating the at least one 3D view of the building in real-time based on the changes to the zoning code and the building envelope; and   color coding the at least one 3D view of the building based on permitted uses.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising displaying allowable types of building dispositions, an aerial view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest on an aerial photograph of the geographic area of interest, a zoning view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest on a zoning map, or a GIS view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest created from the information about the geographic area of interest and the corresponding information. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising displaying the at least one 3D view of the building including a first 3D building view constructed based on setback limitations for the geographic area of interest, a second 3D building view constructed based on a zoning code for the geographic area of interest, a third 3D building view constructed based on the setback limitations, parking requirements, density, and a lot shape for the geographic area of interest. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising displaying at least one cross section or at least one elevation diagram and at least one site plan based on the information about the actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest on at least one output interface. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the actual maximum density capacity and development potential available for the geographic area of interest is calculated on a floor by floor basis, based on inputs and/or selections; wherein the additional factors include on-site parking, off-site parking, type of parking structure, number of towers, and common area percentage. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising receiving calibration information, via an input interface, to change preset zoning code values of the zoning code or the calibration of a new zoning code used by the processor configured by software. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising virtually building a building according to the actual maximum density capacity and development potential calculated. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising outputting changes in taxable value, value of developable land, changes in infrastructural demands including electricity, water, sewer, or roads, changes in residential and daytime populations, changes in parking, or non-compliancy of lots or lots having limited development potential as a result of changes in zoning code and/or building envelope. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising determining whether at least two zoning codes apply to the geographic area of interest, each of the at least two zoning codes having a level of priority, and in the event of a conflict between the at least two zoning codes, applying the zoning code out of the at least two zoning codes with the higher level of priority. 
     
     
         20 . A system for determining an actual maximum density capacity and a development potential available for a geographic area of interest comprising:
 at least one input interface;   wherein the at least one input interface includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving information about the geographic area of interest;   wherein the at least one input interface receiving the information about the geographic area of interest is operable to electronically import the information under the direction of at least one computer program;   wherein the device is configured by software stored in a non-transitory memory device, and wherein the software is executed by a processor;   wherein the device is operable to generate, using information received via the at least one input interface, at least one building envelope for the geographic area of interest, wherein the at least one building envelope is allowable under regulations of the zoning code applicable to the geographic area of interest;   the device additionally configured to generate an actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest based on the zoning code, the building envelope generated, and additional factors affecting the geographic area of interest;   at least one output interface in communication with the device, wherein the at least one output interface is operable to provide information relating to the actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest and at least one 3D view of a building generated in real-time based on the generated actual maximum density capacity available for the geographic area of interest;   wherein the at least one input interface is configured to allow change the zoning code and the building envelope;   wherein the at least one 3D view of the building is updated in real-time based on the changes in the zoning code and the building envelope;   wherein the at least one output interface includes at least one visual representation of allowable types of building dispositions, an aerial view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest on an aerial photograph of the geographic area of interest, a zoning view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest on a zoning map, or a GIS view of the geographic area of interest including a digital translucent overlay of the geographic area of interest created from the information from the geographical information system; and   wherein the at least one 3D view of the building includes a first 3D building view constructed based on setback limitations for the geographic area of interest, a second 3D building view constructed based on a zoning code for the geographic area of interest, a third 3D building view constructed based on the setback limitations, parking requirements, density, or a lot shape for the geographic area of interest.