Zoning Shadow Study Guide
What you need for a compliant submission. Includes checklists for US Shadow Analysis and Australian Shadow Diagrams.
Download: Shadow Study Submission Checklist
Includes test dates, deliverable examples, and a planner-friendly narrative outline.
1. Quick Summary
What is it?
A technical simulation showing how your proposed building casts shadows at specific times of year.
When is it required?
For mid-rise to high-rise projects, or any development near parks, schools, or low-rise residential zones.
Minimum Submission
Typically Plan views (bird's eye) for Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, and Equinoxes at 9am, 12pm, 3pm.
2. Shadow Study vs Diagrams
Terminology varies by region, but the physics are the same. We support both planning frameworks.
North America
Terms: 'Shadow Study', 'Shadow Analysis', 'Sun/Shadow Study'. Focus is often on 'Net New Shadows'.
Australia / UK
Terms: 'Shadow Diagrams', 'Overshadowing Analysis', 'Solar Access'. Focus is on specific hours of sunlight retention.
3. When is it Required?
Height & Massing
Exceeding certain height thresholds (e.g., 4+ stories) often triggers automatic review.
Sensitive Resources
Proximity to public parks, playgrounds, historic sites, or solar-reliant neighbors.
Project Type
Towers, mixed-use infill, and developments in 'Transition Zones'.
4. Compliance Must-Haves
Existing vs Proposed
You must show the 'Baseline' (current condition) vs the 'Proposed' condition to calculate impact.
Net New Shadows
Planners care about the INCREMENTAL shadow—what shadow is YOUR building adding?
Narrative
A 'Shadow Rationale Statement' explaining why the impact is acceptable or mitigated.
Inputs/Assumptions
Clearly state your data sources (Geo-location, North angle, Topography data).
5. Standard Test Dates & Times
Agencies typically require testing at the extremes of the solar year to understand the full range of impact.
Test Dates
June 21 (Summer Solstice), Dec 21 (Winter Solstice), March/Sept 21 (Equinox).
Time Windows
Typically 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (or 4:00 PM in summer). Intervals of 1 hour are standard.
Local Rules
Always check your specific municipal code; some cities have unique 'solar windows' (e.g. 10am-2pm).
6. Deliverables Checklist
Shadow Diagrams
PDF Plan views for each test time/date.
Key Views
3D perspectives if required to explain complex impact.
Summary Table
Data sheet listing duration of new shadow on sensitive areas.
File Package
High-res PDFs + Source methodology notes.
7. Why Studies Get Rejected
Missing Baseline
Comparing Proposed mainly against nothing, instead of Existing.
Wrong Times
Using Daylight Savings Time incorrectly or wrong UTC offset.
Unclear Scale
Missing Graphic Scale, North Arrow, or Timestamp labels.
No Summary
Forcing the planner to do the math on 'net new' impact themselves.
How SolidRender Supports Compliance
We are not planning consultants, but we provide the rigorous **Visualization Outputs** that planners rely on. We take your massing model and generate council-ready diagram sheets.
- Accurate Geolocation & Sun Path setup
- Existing vs Proposed overlay setups
- High-resolution PDF plan outputs
Ready to turn plans
into 3D visuals that sell?
Tell us about your project. We’ll reply with a clear scope, timeline, and fixed-price quote within 24 hours.