New York City is divided into three basic zoning districts: Residence (R), Commercial (C) and Manufacturing (M). The three basic districts are further sub-divided to allow for a wide range of building forms and uses.
Curb level is the mean level of the curb adjoining a zoning lot. In general, it is the basis for building height and setback controls in medium- and higher-density non-contextual districts and manufacturing districts. Density refers to the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a zoning lot.
No single curb cut shall exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) in length, and there shall not be more than two curb cuts on any street frontage 100 feet (30 480 mm) or less in length. The minimum distance between two curb cuts shall be 5 feet (1524 mm).
New York City's Zoning Resolution divides land into districts where similar rules are in effect. Zoning regulations are assigned to these districts based on relevant land use issues. These issues include building shape, affordable housing, walkability and climate change resiliency.
Rear yard requirements for zoning lots with a lot width of less than 40 feet, a rear yard with a depth of not less than 30 feet shall be provided at every rear lot line on any zoning lot; and.
In 1922, the U.S. Department of Commerce first issued the “Standard Zoning Enabling Act,” which was a model law that states could adopt to give cities the power to adopt zoning regulations; New York, as well as the other 47 then existing states adopted the SZEA, during the 1920s and 1930s.
The 1961 Zoning Resolution divided New York City into residential, commercial, and manufacturing areas. It introduced the concept of incentive zoning by adding a bonus of extra floor space to encourage developers of office buildings and apartment towers to incorporate public plazas into their projects.
Density Per Corridor Zoning Deduction: A 50% deduction of corridor floor area from the zoning floor area is allowed if specific criteria are met. The number of apartments served by each corridor per floor varies based on zoning regulations, with maximum limits for R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 zones.