CBRE Zoning Report Alternative: How ZoningWorx Compares
CBRE offers zoning reports through its Valuation & Advisory Services group. In May 2023 CBRE acquired Millman National Land Services of Canton, Ohio, a national provider of ALTA/NSPS surveys and zoning reports. ZoningWorx is an independent firm focused only on zoning reports and zoning verification letters.
ZoningWorx vs. CBRE at a glance
CBRE details are from CBRE's public announcements as of November 2026. Confirm current scope and terms with CBRE directly.
| ZoningWorx | CBRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Zoning reports and zoning verification letters only | Global real estate services firm; zoning sits within Valuation & Advisory Services alongside surveys, PCAs and ESAs |
| Background | Independent zoning due diligence firm | Includes the former Millman National Land Services (acquired May 2023) |
| Who prepares the report | Certified city planners and AICP-certified staff | CBRE assessment and surveying team |
| ALTA endorsements | Every report supports ALTA 3.0 and 3.1 zoning endorsements | Ask CBRE which endorsements its report supports |
| Lender acceptance | Accepted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and major title companies | Ask CBRE |
| Turnaround | As little as 24–48 hours; rush and portfolio orders welcome | Not published for zoning reports |
| Bundling | Zoning only; we work alongside your appraisal, survey, PCA and ESA providers | Can bundle zoning with ALTA surveys, appraisals and assessments |
| Insurance | $3,000,000 general liability and E&O; $1,000,000 E&O per report | Ask CBRE |
| Coverage | All 50 states, D.C., U.S. territories and Canada | National |
When CBRE may be the better fit
If you want one large firm to handle the ALTA survey, appraisal, property condition assessment and zoning report together, or you already have a master services agreement with CBRE, bundling through CBRE can be convenient.
When ZoningWorx is the better fit
- Speed on the zoning piece. Most reports arrive in 24–48 hours.
- A dedicated zoning team. Zoning is our only product, and every report is prepared by certified planners.
- Independence. Some borrowers and lenders prefer a zoning vendor separate from their broker, appraiser or property manager.
- Direct access. You talk to the people researching your property, including our municipality liaison.
- Current zoning classification and map
- Permitted and conditional uses
- Setback, height and density requirements
- Parking requirements
- Pre-existing nonconformities and a rebuild statement
- Building, zoning and fire code violations
- Certificates of occupancy
- Variances, special exceptions, special permits, conditions and ordinances
- Summary of findings with a legal conforming or pre-existing non-conforming statement
- Applicable code sections, certified to your lender, title company and counsel
Switching from CBRE for a closing?
Zoning reports in as little as 24–48 hours.
Send us the address and the checklist. A certified planner will start right away, any city, town or county in the country.
ZoningWorx vs. CBRE questions
Is Millman National Land Services still a separate company?
No. CBRE announced its acquisition of Millman in May 2023, and Millman's team joined CBRE's Assessment and Consulting Services group within Valuation & Advisory Services.
Will my lender accept a ZoningWorx report instead of a CBRE report?
Most will. ZoningWorx reports support ALTA 3.0 and 3.1 zoning endorsements and are accepted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and major title companies. If your loan documents require a named vendor, confirm with your lender first. We are on many vendor lists. If for some reason we are not, we will request to get on the vendor list and give you a credit.
Can ZoningWorx work with my CBRE survey?
Yes. We can compare zoning requirements against any ALTA/NSPS survey you provide and certify the report to the parties you name.
Is ZoningWorx affiliated with CBRE?
No. ZoningWorx is an independent zoning report provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by CBRE.