Planning & Development
What is Highest and Best Use?
Highest and best use is the legally permissible, physically possible, and financially optimal use of a parcel: the development scenario that maximizes value. It is the core question behind site acquisition: not just what can be built, but what should be.
In practice
Analysts compare scenarios (multifamily vs office vs mixed-use, more units vs larger units) under the same zoning envelope. AI feasibility tools automate the scenario generation and financial comparison.
Tools for Highest and Best Use
Deepblocks
AI-powered highest-and-best-use analysis: zoning, massing and financials for any US parcel in minutes.
Archistar
Find highest & best use of any site
Penciler
UrbanSim tool that auto-generates building options on a site and compares program and financial feasibility for multifamily deals.
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