Comparison
3D zoning, NYC-deep — Envelope vs. Gridics
Gridics is a 3D zoning and development-analysis platform that maps parcels and visualizes development potential across many cities, and has expanded into New York. Envelope is NYC-only by design, which is why its as-of-right output goes to architect-grade depth.
The short version
Gridics is a broad, multi-city zoning-code and 3D-analysis platform, often sold to municipalities and enterprises. Envelope concentrates entirely on New York City — resolving the as-of-right envelope, City of Yes, air rights, sketch plans, and valuation on a per-lot basis, available as a single $149 report.
| Capability | Envelope | Gridics |
|---|---|---|
| Instant as-of-right FAR & buildable SF | ||
| 3D massing / envelope visualization | ||
| Multi-city coverage | NYC-focused | Many cities |
| NYC Zoning Resolution depth | Architect-grade | Varies |
| Typical-floor sketch plans & unit mix | — | |
| City of Yes programs integrated | — | |
| Air rights & assemblage analysis | — | |
| Income-approach valuation | — | |
| Development pro forma builder | — | |
| Single report, no subscription | $149 | — |
Based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Features change — verify current capabilities with each vendor.
Where Envelope wins
- All-in on NYC: the Zoning Resolution is encoded to architect-grade depth, including bulk, yard, and sky-exposure logic.
- Typical-floor sketch plans and a compliant unit mix, not just an envelope.
- City of Yes, air rights, and assemblage modeling built in.
- Income-approach valuation and a development pro forma from the same inputs.
- A single lot report for $149, no subscription — versus enterprise/municipal licensing.
Where Gridics is stronger
- Broad multi-city footprint and a zoning-code management platform for governments and enterprises.
- 3D development-potential visualization across many jurisdictions.
- Useful when you need consistent analysis across markets beyond New York.
- Municipal partnerships that keep code data structured at the city level.
Frequently asked
Is Envelope a Gridics alternative for NYC?
For New York City feasibility, yes. Gridics is a multi-city zoning platform; Envelope is NYC-native, producing an as-of-right FAR, 3D massing with sketch plans, City of Yes analysis, and a valuation for a specific lot.
Why choose an NYC-only tool over a multi-city one?
Depth. New York’s zoning is unusually complex — bulk packing, sky-exposure planes, quality-housing rules, City of Yes. A tool built only for NYC can encode those rules to architect-grade precision rather than generalizing across jurisdictions.
How do I try Envelope?
Run a single report on any NYC address for $149 with no subscription. It’s the quickest way to compare its per-lot depth to a Gridics analysis.
See what Envelope shows on your lot.
An architect-grade zoning report — as-of-right FAR, 3D massing, typical-floor sketch plans, and an income-approach valuation — starts at $149, no subscription required.