Two NYC zoning tools: RunEnvelope vs. PropertyScout
PropertyScout is the closest thing to a direct competitor: both give brokers and developers instant as-of-right zoning, air-rights, and assemblage analysis on any NYC lot. The difference is how far the answer goes.
PropertyScout is a strong, focused NYC zoning and air-rights product. RunEnvelope covers the same ground and keeps going, turning “how much can I build” into every legal scenario as an actual building: 3D massing, typical-floor sketch plans and a unit mix, each figure cited to the Zoning Resolution.
Feature by feature.
| Capability | RunEnvelope | PropertyScout |
|---|---|---|
| Instant as-of-right FAR & buildable SF | RunEnvelopeYES | PropertyScoutYES |
| Air rights & assemblage analysis | RunEnvelopeYES | PropertyScoutYES |
| 3D massing model | RunEnvelopeYES | PropertyScoutYES |
| Typical-floor sketch plans & unit mix | RunEnvelopeYES | PropertyScoutNO |
| City of Yes programs integrated | RunEnvelopeYES | PropertyScoutNO |
| Single report, no subscription | RunEnvelope$149 | PropertyScoutNO |
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
- ■Goes past capacity into a building: per-floor sketch plans, cores and unit mix for every legal scenario.
- ■Architect-grade output: 3D massing with typical-floor sketch plans and a compliant unit mix, not just a headline number.
- ■City of Yes fully integrated across 48+ zoning programs evaluated on every lot.
- ■Buy a single architect-grade report for $149 instead of a per-seat subscription.
- ■A full Zoning Resolution citation table and Building Code Chapter 5 analysis in every report.
Where PropertyScout is stronger
- ■A focused, well-regarded NYC zoning and air-rights product with a loyal CRE user base.
- ■Strong site-finding and air-rights workflows for brokers hunting assemblages.
- ■Purpose-built around the deal-sourcing motion for commercial brokers.
Frequently asked.
Is RunEnvelope a PropertyScout alternative?
Yes. Both provide instant NYC zoning, air-rights, and assemblage analysis. RunEnvelope adds an architect-grade deliverable (3D massing with typical-floor sketch plans and a full Zoning Resolution citation table), so the same lookup produces a building you can hand to an architect.
What does RunEnvelope do that PropertyScout doesn’t?
RunEnvelope turns a zoning result into a buildable massing with sketch plans and a unit mix, for every legal scenario, with each figure cited to the Zoning Resolution. It also integrates City of Yes programs and Building Code Chapter 5 analysis.
How much does RunEnvelope cost compared to PropertyScout?
RunEnvelope sells single architect-grade reports from $149, plus subscription tiers for teams. PropertyScout is typically sold as a subscription; check their site for current pricing.
Can I try RunEnvelope without committing to a subscription?
Yes. The free check on any NYC address needs no account, and a single report is $149 with no subscription (a quick Google or Microsoft sign-in saves the report to you). It is the fastest way to compare RunEnvelope’s output to a PropertyScout study on the same lot.
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.