Building Envelope
A building envelope is the maximum three-dimensional space within which construction is permitted on a zoning lot, given the applicable height, setback, and yard controls. It is a geometric consequence of the mapped district rules, lot conditions, and any applicable bulk modifications.
- Where it applies
- New York City
- When it comes up
- Feasibility; test fits; schematic design
- Property types
- All; most critical for ground-up development
In practice
Early "envelope accuracy" is one of the highest-leverage diligence items - small errors compound into major unit-count or floorplate failures.
Read more in the Knowledge Base
- Selling Land in New York - Subdivision, Zoning, and Development PotentialSellers
- Construction Defect Risk in New DevelopmentBuyers
- Wetlands and DEC Buildability ConstraintsBuyers
- Buying Land and Building a Home in New York - Permits, Utilities, and Development FeasibilityBuyers
- Mold Disclosure and Remediation Standards for New York LandlordsLandlords
Related terms
Zoning and Land Use
- Air Rights
- Area Variance
- As-of-right Development
- Authorization
- Base Height
- Base Plane
- Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)
- Bulk
- Certification
- Commercial Overlay
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.