Base Plane
The base plane is a horizontal plane from which building height is measured in many lower-density and contextual districts, and in certain waterfront contexts; it is often tied to curb level but adjusts for sloping sites and deep lots. It is used to measure heights in a way intended to reflect where a building meets the ground.
- Where it applies
- New York City
- When it comes up
- Massing; zoning analysis
- Property types
- All; especially contextual/low-density development
In practice
Sloping sites are an execution risk: base plane choices can materially change measured height and required setbacks.
Related terms
Zoning and Land Use
- Air Rights
- Area Variance
- As-of-right Development
- Authorization
- Base Height
- Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)
- Building Envelope
- Bulk
- Certification
- Commercial Overlay
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.