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BUYER’S GUIDENYC ZONING SOFTWARE · 2026

The best NYC zoning analysis software

There is no single best tool, only the right tool for the job: property data, a quick capacity read, or a full feasibility answer. Here is an honest map of the NYC field and where each one fits.

THE FIELDEIGHT TOOLS · ONE HONEST LINE EACH

Who does what.

Best for architect-grade feasibility + value

Envelope

NYC-native. Runs any lot to an as-of-right FAR, a 3D massing with per-floor sketch plans, City of Yes programs, air rights, an income-approach valuation, and a development pro forma. One report from $149, no subscription.

What’s in a study →
Best for broker air rights & site-finding

PropertyScout

A focused NYC zoning and air-rights product with strong deal-sourcing workflows for commercial brokers hunting assemblages.

Envelope vs. PropertyScout →
Best for property records & comps

PropertyShark

The reference NYC property database: ownership, sales, permits, and zoning fields with deep history and multi-market coverage. Data, not a feasibility answer.

Envelope vs. PropertyShark →
Best for a quick buildable-area read

Buildout

Fast, approachable NYC zoning automation that surfaces buildable area and ADU potential for a single lot.

Envelope vs. Buildout →
Best for generative site planning

TestFit

A cross-market generative engine for laying out buildings, parking, and units. Strong for design teams and layout-driven, lower-density sites.

Envelope vs. TestFit →
Best for multi-city / municipal analysis

Gridics

A 3D zoning-code and development-analysis platform spanning many cities, often sold to governments and enterprises.

Envelope vs. Gridics →
Best for high-volume tabular lookups

NYC Zoning AI

A subscription zoning-lookup tool that returns FAR, density, height, yard, parking, and use-group values for a lot as an Excel workbook, with an ADU checker and drawn-area property search. Priced by monthly search and report allowance.

Envelope vs. NYC Zoning AI →
Best for investor & capital management

Agora

Investment-management software for sponsors: investor portal, fundraising, distributions, and reporting. The back office behind a deal, not the feasibility in front of it.

Envelope vs. Agora →
NEXTRUN YOUR OWN LOT

The fastest way to decide? Run your own lot.

Put a real NYC address through Envelope. The check is free, a full report is $149 with no subscription, and you can compare the output against anything else on this page.