Site Due Diligence: Using AI to Research Building Regulations

Site due diligence is critical before any property acquisition or development project. AI tools have transformed how quickly and thoroughly you can research building regulations for potential sites.

What is Site Due Diligence?

Site due diligence is the process of investigating a property before purchase or development to understand:

• What can be built (zoning and use restrictions)
• How it can be built (building code requirements)
• What challenges exist (environmental, historic, etc.)
• What approvals are needed (permits and reviews)

Thorough due diligence prevents costly surprises after acquisition.

The AI-Powered Due Diligence Process

Step 1: Initial Zoning Analysis

Use AI to quickly understand zoning:

Questions to Ask:

• "What is the zoning for [address]?"
• "What uses are permitted in this zone?"
• "What are the dimensional requirements (setbacks, FAR, height)?"
• "Are there any overlay districts?"

What You'll Learn:

• Permitted vs. conditional uses
• Maximum building envelope
• Parking requirements
• Design restrictions

Step 2: Building Code Review

Understand applicable building codes:

Questions to Ask:

• "What building codes apply to [address]?"
• "What fire safety requirements apply?"
• "What accessibility requirements apply?"
• "What energy code is in effect?"

What You'll Learn:

• Code editions in effect
• Key compliance requirements
• Potential cost drivers
• Inspection requirements

Step 3: Special Requirements Check

Identify additional regulations:

Check For:

• Historic district designation
• Environmental overlays
• Flood zone status
• Special assessment districts
• Impact fee requirements

Questions to Ask:

• "Is this property in a historic district?"
• "What environmental regulations apply?"
• "Is this property in a flood zone?"

Step 4: Feasibility Assessment

Evaluate development potential:

Consider:

• Maximum buildable area
• Required setbacks and open space
• Parking that can be accommodated
• Height restrictions
• Use restrictions

Traditional vs. AI-Powered Due Diligence

Key Regulations to Research

Zoning Regulations

• Permitted uses
• Conditional uses
• Dimensional standards
• Parking requirements
• Design standards

Building Codes

• Applicable code editions
• Occupancy classifications
• Construction types
• Fire protection requirements
• Accessibility requirements
• Energy requirements

Environmental Regulations

• Wetland buffers
• Stormwater management
• Tree preservation
• Endangered species
• Contamination issues

Historic Preservation

• Historic district designation
• Landmark status
• Design review requirements
• Demolition restrictions
• Tax incentives

Other Regulations

• Impact fees
• Inclusionary housing
• Public art requirements
• Sustainability requirements
• Utility availability

Due Diligence Checklist

Pre-Acquisition

• [ ] Zoning verification
• [ ] Permitted uses confirmed
• [ ] Dimensional requirements understood
• [ ] Building code requirements identified
• [ ] Environmental constraints mapped
• [ ] Historic status checked
• [ ] Utility availability confirmed
• [ ] Impact fees estimated
• [ ] Approval timeline estimated

Early Design Phase

• [ ] Detailed code analysis completed
• [ ] Fire protection requirements determined
• [ ] Accessibility requirements confirmed
• [ ] Energy code compliance path identified
• [ ] Parking requirements calculated
• [ ] Design review requirements understood

Common Due Diligence Pitfalls

1. Missing Local Amendments

Many jurisdictions amend state codes. AI tools help identify these local modifications.

2. Overlooking Overlay Districts

Properties may be subject to multiple overlay requirements not obvious from base zoning.

3. Underestimating Approval Timelines

Complex projects may require multiple approvals. Research the full approval path.

4. Ignoring Infrastructure Limitations

Utility capacity, traffic, and stormwater may constrain development beyond zoning.

5. Assuming Code Compliance

Existing buildings may not meet current codes. Understand "grandfathering" limitations.

Using Compliarch for Due Diligence

Compliarch streamlines the due diligence process:

• **Enter the site address** - Get instant jurisdiction identification
• **Review all applicable codes** - See building codes at all levels
• **Check zoning requirements** - Understand what's permitted
• **Ask specific questions** - Use AI chat for detailed queries
• **Export findings** - Document your research

Conclusion

Site due diligence has traditionally been time-consuming and expensive. AI tools have made it possible to quickly research building regulations for any property, anywhere in the world.

Use AI to accelerate your due diligence process, but remember to verify critical findings and engage local professionals for complex situations. The combination of AI speed and professional expertise produces the most thorough due diligence.