Direct-source links
Every project card includes a link to the underlying public filing, and where available a link to the site-plan document.
Who it’s for · Journalists & Researchers
Every card
cites its source.
Beat reporting on a small paper's clock means less time chasing GIS layers. What The Lot lays out the public record so you can go from a tip to a sourced story in an afternoon.
The short version
Every parcel, project, and rezoning on What The Lot links directly back to the city or county record it came from. Filter by jurisdiction, status, and last-30-days to build a story.
What you’ll actually use
Built around your workflowTime-boxed activity feed
Filter to last 30, 90, or 365 days across both jurisdictions in one page — no more clicking through five viewers to find recent filings.
Permanent URLs for parcels + projects
Cite a parcel or project with a URL that keeps working after status changes.
Data sources page
A full list of the datasets and refresh cadence behind every layer.
Try itHow it helps day-to-day
Scenario 01
Chasing a tip
- Search the address, see the parcel, and confirm zoning in one page.
- Check whether a rezoning or site plan has already been filed via the status filter.
- Follow the outbound link straight to the source record for the story details.
Scenario 02
Writing a weekly development roundup
- Filter the activity feed to last 30 days for a ready-made docket.
- Grab permanent links for each item in the piece.
- Save the parcels you're watching — the alerts backstop your monitoring.
Scenario 03
Longform research
- Combine jurisdiction, status, kind, and date filters to bound a story.
- Screenshot the map with the source citation visible at the bottom.
- Use the sources page to describe methodology to editors.
Common questions
Straight answersCan I quote or cite What The Lot in a story?
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Yes, and we ask that you also cite the underlying source we link to (usually the City of Harrisonburg or Rockingham County GIS). We're a lens on the record, not the record itself.
How do I FOIA something I see here?
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Every project card links to the city or county filing. That link is a great starting point for a FOIA — you already have the applicant, reviewing body, and (often) the site-plan document.
How often does the data refresh?
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Against each jurisdiction's published GIS layers on our ingest schedule — status changes upstream flow through shortly after.
Is there a way to embed a map in a story?
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Not yet. For now, screenshots with the source citation visible are the recommended path. Embeds are on the roadmap — reach out if you have a specific use case.
Can I get bulk access to the data?
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The upstream GIS layers are already public — we link to each on the sources page. If you need help pointing at the right one, email hello@whatthelot.com.
Start here
One address is enough.
Search a parcel, follow it, and get a note when something changes. Everything on What The Lot links back to the public record it came from.