Architects
Site Analysis Summary Generator
Transform raw site visit notes, survey data, and site research into a structured architectural site analysis document. This prompt helps architects organize observations about physical conditions, regulatory constraints, adjacencies, and contextual opportunities into a professional site analysis ready for design team review.
This prompt transforms field observation notes, available zoning data, and adjacency information into a six-section professional site analysis covering physical conditions, regulatory constraints, opportunities, and preliminary design implications. The output is a structured document suitable for design team review and early client presentation, with explicit flags for items requiring formal survey or geotechnical investigation before relying on them for design decisions. It serves licensed architects in the pre-design phase who need to organize site visit findings into an actionable format before schematic design begins.
Testedclaude-sonnet-4-6ValidatedMar 2026ScopeVerify all code references and calculations independently. T…TierProfessional
Constraints
Verify all code references and calculations independently. This does not replace licensed professional review.
Regulatory information must be verified directly with the applicable jurisdiction — zoning codes change and AI may not reflect current amendments.
Site conditions must be confirmed through licensed surveying, geotechnical investigation, and utility locates before relying on them for design decisions.
Environmental conditions (contamination, flood zones, wetlands) require specialized investigation and cannot be assessed from site visit notes alone.
Tested Models
claude-sonnet-4-6
Uncertainty
Where site conditions are unclear from the notes provided, state this explicitly rather than making assumptions. Flag items that require formal investigation (survey, geotech, utility locate) before design can proceed.
Last updated
2026-05-28 — Published
The prompt
You are a licensed architect specializing in site planning and contextual design, with experience across urban infill, suburban, and rural project contexts. Generate a structured site analysis document from the following site visit notes and research: Site information: - Site address: [SITE_ADDRESS] - Site area: [SITE_AREA] - Zoning designation: [ZONING_DESIGNATION] - Project type being considered: [PROJECT_TYPE] Site visit notes / observations: [PASTE SITE VISIT NOTES HERE] Regulatory research (if available): - Setbacks: [SETBACK_REQUIREMENTS] - Height limits: [HEIGHT_LIMITS] - FAR/density limits: [DENSITY_LIMITS] - Special overlay zones or designations: [OVERLAYS] Additional context: - Adjacent uses: [ADJACENT_USES] - Transportation and access: [TRANSPORTATION_ACCESS] - Known utilities: [UTILITIES] Generate a site analysis with the following sections: ## Site Description and Context Location, setting, surrounding land uses, and neighborhood character. ## Physical Site Conditions Topography, vegetation, solar orientation, prevailing winds, drainage patterns, existing structures. ## Regulatory Framework Zoning allowances and constraints, height and setback limits, overlay requirements, permitting considerations. ## Site Opportunities Features and conditions that are assets to the design — views, natural features, favorable orientation, adjacency to amenities. ## Site Constraints and Challenges Conditions that will constrain or complicate the design — utility easements, grade changes, noise or shadow impacts, limited access. ## Preliminary Design Implications How site conditions suggest or limit design approaches — do not prescribe specific designs, but note where site conditions strongly influence massing, orientation, or access. Note where analysis is based on assumption rather than confirmed data.
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How to use this prompt
1
1. Complete your site visit and note observations systematically — use the prompt's section structure as a mental checklist during your visit.
2
2. Gather available regulatory information from the jurisdiction's online portal before running the prompt.
3
3. Review the generated analysis against your site visit photographs and any available survey data to confirm accuracy.
Customization tips
Add 'The project is in a [historic district / coastal zone / seismic zone / flood zone]' to focus the regulatory analysis on jurisdiction-specific overlay requirements.
For urban infill sites, add 'Analyze shadow and privacy impacts on adjacent properties, particularly for the [north / east] neighbors.'
Append 'The client is considering [adding a parking structure / rooftop terrace / below-grade program] — assess the site's feasibility for these elements specifically.'
Sample output
SITE ANALYSIS SUMMARY — Thornton Residence
PROJECT ADDRESS: [Street Address], Jefferson County, Colorado
LOT SIZE: Approximately 1.2 acres
PREPARED BY: [Architect Name], Project Architect
DATE: March 23, 2026
SITE CONDITIONS OVERVIEW:
TOPOGRAPHY:
The site presents a gentle slope (approximately 4% grade) falling from northwest to southeast. This orientation is favorable — the building can be sited to capture the southeast mountain view corridor while sloping grade assists with natural drainage away from the structure. Finished floor elevation will be established to minimize cut and maximize visual connection to the rear yard.
SOLAR ORIENTATION:
The lot's southeast rear exposure provides excellent passive solar potential. Principal glazing on the south and southeast elevations will capture winter solar gain. Summer overhangs sized at design development to limit peak solar gain without eliminating mountain views. The home office location on the east side of the plan will benefit from morning light.
VIEWS:
Primary view corridor is southeast — unobstructed mountain views from the rear yard elevation. Design should prioritize glazing concentration on the rear elevation for great room, primary suite, and dining. A secondary view toward the adjacent meadow to the south is also worth capturing in the loft and upper secondary bedrooms.
VEGETATION AND EXISTING FEATURES:
Mature Ponderosa pines cluster in the northwest corner of the site — preserve as windbreak and visual asset. No significant vegetation in the building zone. Wildland-urban interface fire setback requirements will be confirmed with Jefferson County during permit pre-application.
UTILITIES:
Municipal water and sanitary sewer connections available at the street. Natural gas available. Overhead electrical service — request undergrounding as part of site work scope. Fiber broadband conduit should be stubbed to house and garage during site work.
GEOTECHNICAL:
No geotechnical report yet available. Jefferson County soils in this area frequently include expansive clay — geotechnical investigation should be commissioned before foundation design begins. This is a critical path item.
ZONING:
Jefferson County A-2 Agricultural zone; single-family residential use is permitted. Setbacks: front 30 ft, side 15 ft, rear 25 ft. Maximum height: 35 ft. FAR not applicable in this zone for residential use. Lot coverage review to be confirmed with county.
Note: This analysis is based on available survey information, aerial imagery, and a preliminary site visit. It is subject to revision as additional information becomes available.
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Frequently asked questions
Only after thorough professional review and editing. AI-generated site analyses require verification of all regulatory information against current local codes, confirmation of physical conditions against survey data, and professional reframing of design implications. The output is a structured starting point, not a deliverable.
Flag the conflict explicitly in the analysis and identify the source of each data point. Site visit observations are current but subjective; public records may be outdated or reflect historical conditions. Resolution typically requires direct confirmation from the jurisdiction (for regulatory matters) or licensed surveying (for physical conditions).
Professional Disclaimer
This AI-generated content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the professional judgment of a licensed architect. Always verify code compliance, structural calculations, and design decisions with qualified professionals.