The Development Capacity Analysis, or DCA, is a unique tool that we have developed at Macy Architecture to explore the Building and Planning Code constraints of a site in order to determine its maximum development capacity in volume, gross square footage, and number and type of dwelling units. The DCA can be used for pro forma evaluation and can feed directly into preliminary entitlement submittals.

Planning and building design opportunities, and the constraints of a site and its urban context, are efficiently studied and documented. 

Critical knowledge of Code comes into play as group housing units, compact affordable-by-design units, or tax credit funding models for conventional units, are used for the development of dwelling unit types, and the building types they engender.

Development capacity is demonstrated in data and area summary tables that are color-coded and coordinated with site and building plans in a way that facilitates quick communication.

The DCA is a thumbnail building design that can be further developed for entitlement applications. State Density Bonus options for development capacity can also be efficiently considered.