Zoning
Zoning is the regulatory system that divides land into districts and controls what uses may occur and what dimensional/bulk limits apply to buildings and lots. In New York State enabling statutes for towns and villages, zoning authority includes regulating building height, lot coverage, yard sizes, population density, and land uses to promote public welfare.
- Where it applies
- NYS (local); NYC (citywide zoning framework)
- When it comes up
- Feasibility; entitlement; design; permitting
- Property types
- All
In practice
Zoning is both a "ruleset" and a "process trigger": many project risks flow from whether a proposal is as-of-right or requires discretionary approvals.
Read more in the Knowledge Base
- Local Zoning, Land Use Restrictions, and ADU Rules for New York Residential PropertyBuyers
- Selling Land in New York - Subdivision, Zoning, and Development PotentialSellers
- Certificate of Occupancy and Zoning - Identifying Illegal Use RisksBuyers
- Air Rights and Development Potential - Identifying Hidden Value in Low-Rise AcquisitionsBuyers
- Selling Vacant Land - Environmental Assessment, Buildability, and Buyer FinancingSellers
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.