A method for using layout enumeration to facilitate integrated circuit development includes defining an initial set of design ground rules represented in a notation compatible with a coarse placement grid, for a given layer(s) of an integrated circuit device; defining an initial region of interest for the integrated circuit device; enumerating, according to the initial set of design ground rules, each legal design layout for a given layer of the integrated circuit device in the initial region of interest; running a manufacturing simulation of the enumerated legal design layout data and, responsive to determining one or more failing layouts resulting therefrom, further determining whether the failing layouts may be eliminated by changes in technology parameters and/or updated ground rules. Upon eliminating the one or more failing layouts for the initial region of interest, expanding the initial region of interest and repeating the enumerating, manufacturing simulation, and triage assessment.