A lot check is a one-page desktop review of what a specific lot appears to allow, delivered by email within two business days of you sending the address. It is free and carries no obligation to hire us.
What do you need to send?
The property address, your name and email, and your relationship to the lot: owner, considering buying, realtor or other. A survey helps but is not needed. If you know the lot width or size, add it, and tell us whether you are thinking about a duplex, a triplex or fourplex, a multiplex or a single home. “Not sure yet” is a fine answer.
What do we check?
We work from public records. For each lot, that means:
- Zone and overlays
- Lot size and frontage
- Transit proximity
- Heritage
- Covenants
- Slope
- Trees
- Servicing: water, sewer and electrical
What do you get back?
One page, by email, with an offer of a 15-minute call to talk it through.
| Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Snapshot | Zone, lot area, frontage, lane and municipality |
| What the rules appear to allow | The homes and floor area the zoning and provincial rules suggest |
| Site flags | Each item marked clear, check or unknown |
| Servicing | Water, sewer and electrical |
| Questions to answer before drawing | Three to five, specific to your lot |
| The next step | Only if you want one |
Why does a lot check matter before you buy or design?
The provincial rules set a minimum, not the answer for your lot. Under BC’s small-scale multi-unit housing rules, a lot of 280 m² or less must allow at least 3 homes and a larger lot at least 4, with up to 6 near frequent bus service. What a lot can actually hold also depends on the municipality’s bylaw, servicing, trees, slope and lane access. Finding those out before an offer or a design is the cheapest point to change your mind. Our articles on Bill 44 and Bill 25 and on sloped North Shore lots show what usually decides it.
What does a lot check not include?
It is a desktop check from public records. There is no site visit, no pricing and no valuation. It is not legal, survey, engineering or valuation advice. Zoning and policy change, so verify with the municipality before relying on it.
What happens after?
You decide. Some owners take the answer and go no further. If you want to continue, the process starts with design and a budget built from the check, and the cost and timeline guide explains what drives each.
Quick answers
Is the lot check free?
Yes. It is a free desktop check of what your lot appears to allow, with no obligation to hire us.
How long does a lot check take?
Within two business days. We take a limited number each week and will tell you when to expect yours if we are at capacity.
Do I need a survey for a lot check?
No. A survey helps but is not required.
Can a realtor or a buyer request a lot check?
Yes. The form asks whether you own the lot, are considering buying it or are a realtor or agent.
Does a lot check replace a zoning confirmation from the municipality?
No. It is a desktop check from public records. Confirm with the municipality before relying on it.
Send the address and we’ll run a free desktop check of what it appears to allow, within two business days.
Request a lot check →InoBuilt lot check process; Province of BC, Small-scale, multi-unit housing page (updated Jan 20, 2026). A desktop check from public records; not legal, survey, engineering or valuation advice.
Source links: Province of BC: Small-scale, multi-unit housing
General information, checked Nov 11, 2026. Rules change and differ by municipality; confirm for your lot before relying on it. Not legal, tax or financial advice.