Zoning Verification Report (ZVR) | Nationwide Due Diligence

A professional Zoning Verification Report is a foundational component of nationwide real estate due diligence, providing lenders and attorneys with the critical data needed to assess property risk. At W3 Planning and Research, LLC, we deliver institutional-grade analysis that confirms a property’s current zoning designation, authorized land uses, and conformance with local development standards.

Additionally, by utilizing a Zoning Verification Report early in the transaction, our clients can identify potential compliance hurdles and ensure that setbacks and density align with their long-term investment goals.

Comprehensive Zoning Verification Report Analysis

  • Official Zoning Confirmation: Current designation and authorized land uses.
  • Bulk Regulation Analysis: Setbacks, height limits, parking, and density ratios.
  • Entitlement Review: Existing Special Use Permits, Variances, and Overlay requirements.
  • Compliance History: Open zoning violations, fire inspection reports, active building permits, and Certificates of Occupancy.
  • Rebuildability Standards: Current rebuildability standards for legal and legal non-conforming structures and uses
  • Lender-Ready Documentation: Comprehensive reports designed to satisfy commercial loan requirements.

Standard Report: $900

  • Standard Engagement: $900
  • Turnaround: 10 Business Days (Subject to jurisdictional response)
  • Expedited Service Available (+$250 for 5-day draft)
  • Preferred Customer / Bulk Rates Available

Notice: Complex Jurisdiction Surcharges

  • City of New York: A 50% surcharge applies to all reports within the five boroughs due to the unique density and zoning resolution complexities.
  • City of San Francisco: A 50% surcharge applies to all report located in the Greater bay area.
  • Washington State: A 50% surcharge applies to properties subject to Shoreline Master Plan (SMP) jurisdictions.
  • Purpose: These surcharges ensure the deep-dive research necessary for a Zoning Verification Report in complex metropolitan areas

The Critical Role of a Zoning Verification Report

Eliminate Acquisition Risk

Ensure your subject property is not subject to non-conforming use issues or outstanding violations that could stall development or trigger legal action.

Satisfying Commercial Lending Requirements

Most institutional lenders require a Zoning Verification Report to satisfy conformance with local zoning regulations and internal risk-assessment protocols.

Protect Property Value

Verify that bulk regulations—such as setbacks, parking ratios, and density—align with your intended use to prevent costly post-closing surprises.

The Strategic Value of a Zoning Verification Report

Furthermore, zoning regulations are continually evolving, and a property that was compliant a decade ago may now be considered legal non-conforming due to shifting municipal codes. Consequently, lenders require a modern Zoning Verification Report to determine “rebuildability” status—confirming if a building can be reconstructed to its current configuration in the event of a total casualty loss. Additionally, our reports identify open building or fire code violations that could jeopardize title insurance endorsements or future property marketability.