We believe in showing our work. Here is exactly how your $149 report is built — every data source, every calculation, every limitation.
Get the Report — $149Your report is built from six independent data checks. Each layer runs automatically against your property address. Here is what each one does and where the data comes from.
We retrieve your property parcel record from county assessor data. This gives us your lot size, lot dimensions, primary structure type, and Assessor Parcel Number (APN). We cross-reference this against California ADU law — including unit allowances and state exemptions under AB 68 and AB 2221, and lot-split possibilities under SB 9. Note: California state law (AB 68) prohibits cities from imposing minimum lot size requirements on ADUs.
We identify which city, county, and planning jurisdiction governs your property. California state law (SB 9, AB 68, AB 2221, AB 976) establishes a baseline of ADU rights that all jurisdictions must honor. We cross-reference known local ordinance overrides — some cities have stricter owner-occupancy requirements, design standards, or setback rules beyond the state minimum.
We query three publicly available government databases to flag environmental risk factors that could affect your permitting process or construction costs.
We calculate your Build Envelope — the area of your lot where an ADU can legally be placed. This is determined by rear setbacks (typically 4 feet under California state law), side setbacks (typically 4 feet), height limits (typically 16 feet for single-story detached ADUs), and utility easement locations where known. ADUs connect to existing property utilities — no new infrastructure development required per U.S. HUD guidelines.
We use RentCast rental market data to pull rent comparables for your specific ZIP code and neighborhood. RentCast aggregates rental listing data from major platforms and maintains hyper-local rent indices updated monthly. We apply this data to calculate projected monthly rent, capitalization rate, and payback period using regional construction cost benchmarks — not national averages.
Our analysis engine synthesizes findings from all six layers into a single Feasibility Verdict. Zoning eligibility carries the highest weight — if state or local law prohibits ADUs on your parcel type, the verdict defaults to Unlikely regardless of other factors. Environmental flags reduce confidence level but do not automatically disqualify. Maximum Unit Potential is calculated separately after lot size and zoning are confirmed.
Every report includes a Confidence level alongside the feasibility verdict. Here is exactly what each level means.
All six data layers returned clean results with no conflicting signals. Zoning eligibility confirmed, no environmental flags detected, financial projections within normal ranges. A professional ADU consultant reviewing the same data would likely reach the same conclusion.
One or more layers returned a flag or inconclusive result. Common reasons: fire zone designation requiring additional review, local ordinance data that may be outdated, or lot size that is borderline for certain ADU types. Medium confidence reports are still actionable — they tell you exactly which factor to verify first.
Multiple flags detected, or required data inputs (lot size or zoning code) were not provided, limiting the engine ability to complete full analysis. Low confidence reports still identify which data is missing and provide next steps to increase confidence.
How we calculate build cost, monthly rent, cap rate, and payback period.
Regional construction benchmarks for California, updated periodically:
Based on RentCast market data for your ZIP code, adjusted for estimated ADU size (typically 400–800 sq ft). Projections reflect current market rates — not guaranteed future income.
Cap rate = (Annual gross rent − 10% operating expenses) ÷ estimated build cost.
Payback period = estimated build cost ÷ annual net rental income. Simple payback — does not account for property value appreciation, financing costs, or tax implications.
Important: All cost estimates are preliminary ranges based on regional benchmarks. Actual costs vary based on site conditions, finishes, permit fees, utility connection costs, and contractor availability. Always obtain 2–3 contractor bids before committing to a project.
Every data point in your report comes from a named, verifiable source. Here is the complete list.
| Data Source | Used For | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| County Assessor Records | Parcel geometry, lot size, property type | Varies by county |
| FEMA NFIP Flood Maps | Special Flood Hazard Area designation | Updated continuously |
| CAL FIRE FHSZ Maps | Fire hazard severity zone classification | Updated annually |
| California HCD | State ADU law compliance baseline | Updated with legislation |
| RentCast | Rental market comparables and rent indices | Updated monthly |
| U.S. Census Bureau | Neighborhood demographics and tract data | Annual (ACS) |
| U.S. HUD | ADU classification standards | Reference standard |
Being transparent about limitations builds more trust than hiding them. Here is what our automated system cannot reliably evaluate.
CC&Rs and HOA restrictions are not in public databases. Verify with your title company or HOA directly before proceeding.
Whether your existing sewer, water, and electrical service can support an additional unit requires a site assessment by a licensed engineer.
Foundation requirements depend on soil type and slope, which require a physical site survey. Hillside lots are particularly variable.
Properties in historic districts may face additional design review requirements not captured in standard zoning data.
Local zoning changes may not be reflected immediately. Reports reflect data available at time of generation. Always verify current rules with your local planning department.
No automated tool can guarantee permit approval. Your report identifies feasibility — your local planning department makes the final determination.
Get your ADUVerify report — $149. Six data layers. PDF delivered in minutes.
Order the Report — $149Preliminary assessment only. Not a zoning determination or legal opinion.