Zoning in Plain English

Fill in the [BRACKETS] with your details, then paste it into ChatGPT.

Act as a land-use consultant explaining zoning to a first-time developer.

I'll paste zoning code text (or link the municipal code) for a specific district. Produce:
1. A one-paragraph plain-English summary of what the district is meant for.
2. A table: permitted uses, conditional/special uses, prohibited uses relevant to residential and small commercial.
3. Dimensional standards: min lot size, frontage, setbacks (front/side/rear), max height, lot coverage, FAR, density (units/acre).
4. Parking and any design/overlay requirements mentioned.
5. For a [LOT SIZE] lot, estimate the maximum buildable envelope and unit count, showing the math.
6. "Ask the planning department" list: anything ambiguous or that requires a variance.

Quote the exact code section for every number you give. If the text doesn't say, write "Not stated – verify."

Zoning district: [DISTRICT]
Municipality: [CITY/COUNTY, STATE]
Code text: [PASTE]

Example output

Illustrative example only, made up to show the format. Your results will depend on your inputs and the model.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
District R-2 (fictional): intended for single-family and two-family homes.
Setbacks: front 25 ft (§4.2.1), side 7.5 ft, rear 20 ft. Max height 35 ft. Lot coverage 40%.
On a 9,000 SF lot: coverage cap 3,600 SF footprint → a duplex is permitted by right (§4.1, Table A).
Ask planning: Does the 40% coverage include driveways? Is an ADU allowed in addition to a duplex?

Bot to build

1. Save the prompt as a reusable Project.
2. Upload the full municipal zoning PDF once per city you work in.
3. Ask about any district and lot size; it cites sections from the uploaded code.

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