Regional planning hub
Planning under the NYC Zoning Resolution
The NYC Zoning Resolution is the most complex municipal zoning code in the United States. Atlasly turns ZoLa, PLUTO and the Zoning Resolution into a one-click as-of-right capacity study.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Framework
Adopted 1961, amended continuously. Administered by the Department of City Planning. Enforced by the Department of Buildings.
Key policies
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR): Maximum buildable floor area as a multiple of lot area. Varies by district. Atlasly auto-applies the right FAR with all bonuses (IH, plaza, etc.).
- Sky Exposure Plane: Inclined plane controlling building bulk above a street wall. Atlasly's massing engine respects sky exposure planes per district.
- Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH): Affordable units required in MIH areas. Atlasly identifies MIH applicability and runs Option 1, 2, and Deep Affordability scenarios.
- Quality Housing Program: Optional contextual envelope. Atlasly toggles QHP vs Height Factor envelopes side-by-side.
Process
- As-of-right: If the design fits the zoning, no special approvals. Atlasly tests as-of-right in 60 seconds.
- ULURP: Uniform Land Use Review Procedure for rezonings, special permits, and large-scale plans. Typically 7-12 months.
- BSA Variance: Board of Standards and Appeals for hardship variances. Last resort.
Questions
What is FAR in NYC?
Floor Area Ratio. Multiply by lot area for total buildable floor area. R6A FAR is 3.0, M1-1 is 1.0, C6-2 is 6.0, and so on.
Is my lot subject to MIH?
Atlasly checks MIH areas instantly when you load a NYC site, including which Option (1, 2, Deep, or Workforce) applies.
Explore a site in New York City Zoning
Start with the site location and inspect the available evidence. Confirm the applicable local policies and data coverage.
Open Atlas AIReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.