Feasibility & Highest-and-Best-Use Studies

Whether you’re planning a new development or repurposing an existing property, we deliver the data, analysis, and insight you need to make smart decisions.

Los Angeles Feasibility Studies: Get Clear Answers Before You Build

Starting a construction project in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. There are always questions about what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and how long the process will take. That’s why a feasibility study is so important—it gives you clear answers before you commit time or money.

At JDJ Consulting Group, we make this process straightforward. Our feasibility studies break down zoning rules, ordinances, and permit requirements in a way that’s easy to understand. We help property owners, investors, and developers see exactly what can be built and what steps come next.

Rebuilding after a fire? Planning new construction? Exploring expansion? We give you a clear roadmap of your property’s potential and the approvals you’ll need to move forward.

What Our Feasibility Studies Include

When you hire JDJ Consulting Group for a Los Angeles feasibility study, we perform a complete review of your property and applicable zoning requirements. Below is the scope of work we deliver for a fire rebuild or new development project:

  1. Review Current Zoning Designation
    We start by identifying your property’s zoning classification. This sets the foundation for everything that follows. Each zoning designation in Los Angeles has specific rules that govern what can be built.

  2. Analyze Property Zoning and Development Standards
    Next, we examine how your property’s zoning impacts allowable development. This includes density, use restrictions, and site development standards.

  3. Identify Permitted Uses Under Current Zoning
    We clarify what types of projects are permitted—whether single-family or multifamily, mixed-use or commercial. Understanding permitted uses ensures your plans align with city requirements.

  4. Examine Lot Size, Setbacks, and Coverage Requirements
    Our team reviews the minimum lot size and required setbacks from property lines. We also analyze lot coverage rules to determine the maximum footprint allowed for your structure.

  5. Assess Height Restrictions and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Limits
    Building height and FAR (floor area ratio) are often key limiting factors in Los Angeles development. We calculate the maximum building envelope allowed and highlight any restrictions you must consider.

  6. Investigate Parking Requirements
    Parking minimums can shape your project’s design. We evaluate parking ratios and determine how they apply to your intended use.

  7. Review Overlay Districts or Special Zoning Considerations
    Some Los Angeles properties fall under special zoning overlays or community-specific plans. We identify these added layers of regulation and explain how they may affect your project.

  8. Prepare a Feasibility Study and Development Report
    All findings are compiled into a clear, detailed report. This document outlines zoning conditions, development options, and pathways for approval.

  9. Propose Multiple Development Options
    Based on zoning, we present several project options. For example, you may have the choice between a by-right design and a design that requires discretionary approvals.

  10. Outline Required Approvals and Permits
    We explain which permits, clearances, or entitlements your project will need—helping you prepare for next steps with LADBS, Planning, or other agencies.

  11. Analyze Potential Affordable Housing Bonuses
    If you are open to incorporating affordable housing, you may qualify for density bonuses, FAR increases, or height adjustments. We include these options in your feasibility analysis.

Typical Client Questions We Answer

Clients often come to us with specific questions about what they can build. Our Los Angeles feasibility studies provide clear answers to:

  • What is the maximum allowable building height on my property?
  • How many units are permitted under current zoning?
  • What is the maximum FAR for this site?
  • Does the Community Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) ordinance apply to my project?
  • Are there other ordinances that could expand my development potential?


We address each of these concerns directly in your customized feasibility report.

Why Feasibility Studies Matter in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has one of the most complex zoning systems in the country. Small details like an overlay zone, a hillside designation, or parking adjustments can change the outcome of your project. Without a feasibility study, you risk designing a project that is not legally permitted or financially viable.

Our feasibility studies prevent these issues by providing:

  • Clarity: A clear outline of what your property allows.
  • Options: Multiple development scenarios to compare.
  • Guidance: Step-by-step next actions for permits and approvals.
  • Risk Reduction: Avoiding costly design changes later in the process.

How JDJ Consulting Group Assists

At JDJ Consulting Group, we do more than providing data—we interpret zoning laws in the context of your goals. Here’s how we make feasibility studies practical and actionable:

  • Local Expertise: We focus on Los Angeles projects and stay updated on local code changes.
  • Customized Analysis: Every property is unique. We tailor your study to site-specific conditions.
  • Developer-Focused Reports: We make reports simple to understand, but detailed enough for architects and engineers.
  • Forward Planning: We don’t just explain limits—we also show opportunities to maximize site value.


Whether you’re dealing with a fire rebuild project or exploring new development potential, we ensure your feasibility study is a reliable foundation for decision-making.

Next Steps in Los Angeles Feasibility Studies

Once your feasibility study is complete, you will have a clear picture of what is possible on your property. The next steps may include:

  • Engaging architects to design within zoning limits.
  • Coordinating with LADBS for plan submittal.
  • Applying for discretionary approvals, if required.
  • Exploring affordable housing incentives for added density.


Our team at JDJ Consulting Group can also assist with permit expediting, zoning consulting, and entitlement services—helping you move smoothly from feasibility to approvals.

Call JDJ – Your Trusted Feasibility Study Consultant

If you are planning a project in Los Angeles, start with certainty. A feasibility study from JDJ Consulting Group gives you the knowledge and strategy to move forward with confidence.

Contact us today to discuss your property and request a customized feasibility report.

Los Angeles Feasibility Studies – Get Clear Answers Before You Build

At JDJ Consulting Group, our Los Angeles feasibility studies give you certainty before you invest. We break down zoning, approvals, and development options so you know exactly what’s possible.

What’s Included in Our Feasibility Report

  • ✅ Review of zoning designation and property development standards
  • ✅ Analysis of permitted uses and site restrictions
  • ✅ Lot size, setbacks, coverage, and FAR calculations
  • ✅ Height limits and building envelope review
  • ✅ Parking requirement evaluation
  • ✅ Overlay districts and special zoning considerations
  • ✅ Multiple development options (by-right vs. discretionary)
  • ✅ Required approvals, permits, and agency clearances
  • ✅ Affordable housing bonus opportunities
  • ✅ Complete feasibility report with clear next steps

Why Choose JDJ Consulting?

  • ⭐ Local expertise – deep knowledge of Los Angeles zoning and overlays
  • ⭐ Developer-focused – clear, actionable reports for real-world use
  • ⭐ Options-driven – multiple scenarios to maximize property value
  • ⭐ Trusted results – 350+ feasibility reports and client approvals

Ready to Request Your Feasibility Study?

Contact JDJ Consulting Group today. Get clarity, explore options, and move forward with confidence.

Request Your Los Angeles Feasibility Study

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a Los Angeles feasibility study?

A feasibility study reviews zoning laws, site-specific constraints, building permits, and development costs. At JDJ Consulting Group, we prepare a comprehensive feasibility report that explains property use, site potential, and the approvals required before you begin construction.

How does a feasibility study support real estate development?

In Los Angeles, every real estate development project must follow zoning codes, FAR limits, and setback rules. Our feasibility studies outline what’s allowed, include market analysis, and identify opportunities like density bonuses so your project remains legal, strategic, and profitable.

Do feasibility studies cover land acquisition decisions?

Yes. If you are considering land acquisition, a feasibility study is a vital part of due diligence. We evaluate zoning restrictions, market conditions, and development costs so you can make informed decisions before purchasing property.

Can you include financial modeling in a feasibility report?

Absolutely. Many clients request financial modeling to understand projected development costs, potential returns, and financing needs such as bank loans. By combining zoning details with market data and cost estimates, we help you see the full financial picture.

How do market studies fit into feasibility reports?

Our feasibility studies often include market and feasibility studies, which review supply and demand, market opportunity, and market rent studies. This ensures your proposed project is backed by solid data and matches current Los Angeles market conditions.

Are feasibility studies useful for commercial real estate projects?

Yes. JDJ Consulting Group provides feasibility studies for commercial real estate, residential, and mixed-use projects. Whether it’s office, retail, or housing, we prepare a professional report covering zoning restrictions, proposed construction options, and potential economic development impacts.

Do you review environmental or traffic issues in your reports?

Yes. Depending on the property, our feasibility studies may address environmental assessments, potential traffic issues, and the impact on the surrounding environment. This helps clients prepare for agency requirements and Specific Plans in Los Angeles.

How does a feasibility study save money in the long run?

By identifying zoning restrictions, approvals, and development costs early, you avoid redesigns and delays. A real estate feasibility study acts as a roadmap—reducing risk, clarifying next steps, and ensuring your project aligns with both city rules and market opportunity.

Can feasibility studies help during the housing crisis in Los Angeles?

Yes. With Los Angeles facing a housing crisis, programs like density bonuses and Senate Bill 9 can improve project feasibility. Our studies explain these incentives so property owners and developers can maximize value while supporting local housing and economic development.

Do you provide feasibility studies for residential and commercial clients?

We do. Our residential services include single-family zoned parcels and multifamily projects, while our commercial projects include retail, office, and mixed-use developments. Each report is customized to your property type and long-term goals, whether it’s property management or new construction.

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