How about something like using Spatial Analyst distance tools, combined with the above buffer approach.

I am thinking that you use the parcel layers as input to the Euclidean Distance tool. This creates an output raster that basically gives you distances of every point in that output raster (probably matching the extent of the input feature layer?) to the nearest source value (here, the polygon borders). You could then search for cells that have a distance greater than 400ft, eliminating all other cells (set to NoData). Then convert each cell to a point. Buffer all the points. Eliminate any that intersect with the parcel layer (or, inverse, select only those that are contained entirely within parcel polygons).

Basically, you are identifying any point that is at least 400ft from a border and then you are filtering out only those that are 400ft from all borders. This should get you past the centroid problem for strangely shaped parcels. It would potentially create a nasty looking layer of buffer features in cases where many cells meet the 400ft criteria, but that's really an intermediate working layer anyhow. If it works, you could probably automate it pretty easily with a model or script.

I haven't tried this, of course (what's the fun of suggestions you have actually tested ;-), and I'm sure you would have to think about appropriate cell sizes and such in terms of the process of going into and out of a raster format.You might also want to doing the feature to raster conversion of the parcel feature set on your own using something like PolygonToRaster, rather than allowing the distance tool to do the conversion internally. So, I'm sure there is more to consider. Still, the idea seems reasonable.

Anyway, just thinking out loud.

Brian

On Mon, Oct 3, 2016 at 11:01 AM, Scott Sharlow <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

I get it now, if that is what you were asking. You could still use the centroid, use the 400 foot radius and then select those parcels that completely contain the 400 foot buffer poly (retain parcel-id in the buffer so you can select out the correct buffer poly for each parcel).

That being said, it will not rule out those parcels that have funky geometry that could still contain a 400 foot radius within an area away from the geographic center of a parcel… that’s a thinker but looks like that ET Geowizards solution that Matthew provided may solve that problem.

From: Northeast Arc Users Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]UCONN.EDU] On Behalf Of Michael Ray
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 10:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Circles in polygons

You need the largest sized circle that will fir inside the polygon?

Riding on the centroid idea, perhaps using the find nearest tool would be useful in achieving a proper radius length.

On Sat, Oct 1, 2016 at 8:12 AM, Nigel Pickering <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Is there a way to automate creating a single maximum-sized circle within each polygon of a parcel layer? The polygons could be any shape.

This would be useful for identifying potential parcels that could contain a Massachusetts Zone I (400’ radius) of a proposed water supply well.

Nigel

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