Discretionary Action
In NYC environmental terminology, an "action" is something to be approved, funded, or undertaken at the discretion of a city agency, and such discretionary actions are what trigger CEQR review. The distinction matters because ministerial actions (like issuance of certain building permits) are not subject to environmental review, while discretionary land-use approvals often are.
- Where it applies
- New York City
- When it comes up
- Entitlements; environmental review initiation
- Property types
- All
In practice
"Discretionary vs ministerial" classification is a gating decision that determines whether environmental review and related sequencing constraints will apply.
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)
- Building Envelope
- Bulk
- Certification
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.