Authorization
In NYC zoning practice, an authorization is a discretionary action by the City Planning Commission - often after informal referral to the affected community board(s) - that modifies specified zoning requirements if required findings are met. It is distinct from as-of-right approvals because it requires discretionary CPC action but may not follow the full ULURP path depending on the authorization type and rule.
- Where it applies
- New York City
- When it comes up
- Entitlement; zoning relief via CPC
- Property types
- All
In practice
Authorizations are "discretionary but scoped"; operators often model them as lower-duration approval paths than ULURP map changes, but still subject to environmental sequencing.
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Related terms
Zoning and Land Use
- Air Rights
- Area Variance
- As-of-right Development
- Base Height
- Base Plane
- Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)
- Building Envelope
- Bulk
- Certification
- Commercial Overlay
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.