Feasibility Studies
Code Study to Proforma
2025 to 2026
Boulder, CO
Coburn Development
Feasibility and yield studies are the analytical foundation that helps clients understand the potential of a site before committing to a full design process.
Over the course of my time at Coburn I have completed roughly six feasibility and yield studies, all for multifamily developments in Boulder, some with commercial uses on the ground floor. Each one presented its own unique set of challenges, as Boulder's zoning code is layered with nuance, exceptions, and site specific restrictions that require careful reading and interpretation.
The process begins with identifying the zoning district the site falls within and conducting a thorough dive into the city code to understand what the site will and will not allow. This includes analyzing setbacks, maximum floor area ratio, use restrictions, height limits, solar shadow restrictions, and any other applicable regulations. Boulder's code is rarely straightforward, and uncovering how all of these layers interact on a specific site is one of the most intellectually engaging parts of the work.
From there, I develop several high level massing options that work within those restrictions, with the goal of maximizing buildable square footage on the site. These massing diagrams establish building footprints, number of stories, parking, roads, and open space, giving the client a realistic picture of what could be built and how the site could be organized.
The deliverables include a yield study set with 3D views, floor plans, and site metrics for each option, as well as a written code summary report accompanied by diagrams illustrating the site boundaries, zoning district, flood zone, and Transportation Master Plan designation.
This type of work sits at the intersection of research, analysis, and design, and it has sharpened my ability to read complex regulatory documents, think critically about site potential, and communicate findings clearly to clients who are making significant decisions based on the results.
Following the yield study, I also assist with proforma analysis to help clients understand the financial viability of their project. Taking the unit counts, square footage, and site metrics produced in the yield study, I input the data into a financial model and work closely with the firm's development partner to analyze the projected costs and potential profit. The goal is to give the client a clear picture of whether the project makes financial sense before they commit to moving forward. I also help put together the client presentation so that the numbers are easy to understand and the findings are communicated in a straightforward and accessible way.
