
Residential Design Code Compliance Analyzer
Analyze residential designs against building codes and zoning before permit submission
What You Can Do
You can input your residential design specifications and applicable jurisdiction codes, and Claude will flag specific compliance issues with actionable corrections tied to exact code sections. This skill systematically reviews setbacks, lot coverage, height restrictions, accessibility requirements, and design standards to catch problems before permit rejection, saving costly redesigns and project delays.
Features
cross-references specific design elements (setbacks, height, lot coverage, unit separation) against exact building code and zoning ordinance sections
analyzes designs against different local codes, historic district overlays, and regional amendments
checks ADA and Fair Housing Act requirements for residential units and common areas
flags non-compliance issues with specific actionable fixes and corresponding code citations
generates compliance verification summaries suitable for permit applications and design archives
evaluates compliance for additions, renovations, and mixed-occupancy residential projects with varying code applicability
identifies conflicts with setback, separation, density, and use restrictions before submission
Example Output
Single-family residence analysis:
✓ Lot setbacks: Front 25 ft (required 25 ft) — COMPLIANT
⚠ Side setback: 6 ft (required 10 ft) — NON-COMPLIANT — Revise wall placement per Zoning Code §12.3.4
✓ Height: 35 ft (max 45 ft) — COMPLIANT
⚠ Parking: 1 space provided (required 2) — NON-COMPLIANT — Add driveway per Code §505.2
12-unit townhouse project:
✓ Unit separation: 2-hour fire-rated walls — COMPLIANT per IRC Table 706.4
✓ Common area accessibility: Ramps ≤1:12 slope — COMPLIANT per ADA §303.4
⚠ Visitor parking: 3 spaces required, 2 provided — NON-COMPLIANT per Zoning §8.2.1
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with compliance analysis methodology:
- Code Compliance Checklist Template: jurisdiction-specific requirements organized by design category (setbacks, height, parking, accessibility)
- Zoning Overlay Assessment Framework: structure for analyzing historic district, flood zone, and overlay district impacts
- ADA/Accessibility Validation Worksheet: common areas, unit features, and exterior route requirements
- Compliance Documentation Template: format for recording code references and corrective actions for permit files
Who It's For
- Residential architects preparing designs for local jurisdiction permitting
- Design-build contractors validating compliance before fabrication and construction
- Real estate developers assessing feasibility and code constraints in new markets
- Municipal planning departments reviewing residential submissions for preliminary compliance
- Design students learning code application in residential project workflows
Best For
- Pre-permit design validation and gap identification
- Multi-jurisdiction compliance analysis for regional projects
- Accessibility and Fair Housing compliance verification
- Design revision prioritization after code review feedback
- Zoning constraint assessment for feasibility studies







