Buildable area, and beyond: RunEnvelope vs. Buildout
Buildout automates NYC zoning to surface a property’s hidden buildable area and ADU potential quickly. RunEnvelope covers the same as-of-right capacity question and extends it into the full architect-grade study.
Buildout is a fast, focused way to see a lot’s buildable area and ADU potential. RunEnvelope answers the same question and then builds the massing, drafts typical-floor sketch plans and cites the Zoning Resolution section behind every number, all in one report instead of a chain of tools.
Feature by feature.
| Capability | RunEnvelope | Buildout |
|---|---|---|
| Instant buildable SF / as-of-right FAR | RunEnvelopeYES | BuildoutYES |
| ADU / added-unit potential | RunEnvelopeYES | BuildoutYES |
| Air rights & assemblage analysis | RunEnvelopeYES | BuildoutNO |
| 3D massing model | RunEnvelopeYES | BuildoutNO |
| Typical-floor sketch plans & unit mix | RunEnvelopeYES | BuildoutNO |
| City of Yes programs integrated | RunEnvelopeYES | BuildoutYES |
| Single report, no subscription | RunEnvelope$149 | BuildoutNO |
Sources Based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Features change; verify current capabilities with each vendor.
Where each one wins.
Where RunEnvelope wins
- ■Doesn’t stop at buildable area: it masses the building, drafts typical-floor sketch plans, and produces a unit mix.
- ■Every figure cited to the Zoning Resolution section that produced it, plus Building Code Chapter 5 analysis.
- ■Air-rights and assemblage modeling for multi-lot deals.
- ■48+ zoning programs, including City of Yes, evaluated on every lot.
- ■A single architect-grade report for $149 with no subscription.
Where Buildout is stronger
- ■A clean, fast way to surface buildable area and ADU potential for a single lot.
- ■Approachable for owners and agents who want a quick capacity read.
- ■Focused NYC zoning automation without a heavy learning curve.
Frequently asked.
Is RunEnvelope a Buildout alternative?
Yes. Both automate NYC zoning to compute buildable area. RunEnvelope goes further, producing a 3D massing, typical-floor sketch plans and a full Zoning Resolution citation table from the same inputs.
Does RunEnvelope handle ADUs and City of Yes?
Yes. RunEnvelope evaluates City of Yes programs, including added-unit and ADU pathways, as part of the 48+ zoning programs it checks on every lot.
What’s the fastest way to compare the two?
Run the same NYC address through both. RunEnvelope’s single report ($149, no subscription) lets you see whether the added massing, sketch plans and citations are worth it for your workflow.
See what RunEnvelope shows on your lot.
An architect-grade zoning study: as-of-right FAR, 3D massing, per-floor sketch plans and a Zoning Resolution citation on every figure. One report from $149, no subscription.