Mayor Adams Proposes Zoning Changes

Proposed NYC Zoning Changes: Highlights

In a recent announcement, New York City Mayor Eric Adams proposed a number of zoning changes that are intended to ease the city’s housing woes. The proposed changes are a result of Adams’ 2022 “City of Yes” rollout, and are intended to promote increased affordable housing by removing red tape from the permitting process. Here is a summary of some of the major changes in the proposed zoning update:

Affordable Housing

The proposal would replace the current “voluntary” inclusionary housing framework with the citywide Universal Affordability Preference (UAP) framework, which allows buildings to be approximately 20% larger if the additional density is permanently affordable. This falls under the Affordable Housing section of the zoning code, and represents a significant shift in terms of how affordable housing allowances may be calculated. Additionally, the proposal eliminates the term “inclusionary housing” from the zoning code, while defining a new term: “qualifying affordable housing”. Under this term, the following building types would be eligible to receive additional height to fit the allowed floor area:

• MIH developments in Mandatory Inclusionary Housing areas

• UAP developments

• Buildings subject to an affordable housing regulatory agreement.

Transit-Oriented Development and Town Center Zoning:

The proposals establish a new terminology and categorization process around transit zones. Specifically, the proposal establishes three transit zones:

• The “Greater Transit Zone”, which is comprised of:

• “Inner Transit Zone” (essentially Manhattan and Long Island City)

• “Outer Transit Zone” (areas outside of the inner zone with blocks that are “wholly or partially within a half-mile of a mass transit station.”

Specific proposals include amendments for three-to-five-story apartment buildings near transit hubs and commercial corridors, and involve changes to the Use Groups and Building Height and Setback sections of the code, which outline permissible uses and building height regulations.

Greater Flexibility for Homeowners:

The proposals also provide increased flexibility for homeowners, including the addition of accessory dwelling units, which will impact sections related to Accessory Uses and Residential Districts. These sections define what types of additional structures are allowed on residential properties.

Elimination of Arbitrary Parking Mandates:

The proposal aims to lift arbitrary and expensive parking mandates for new residential construction. This change will involve modifications to the Parking Requirements section, should the proposals be adopted.

Re-Legalization of Small Units and Shared Housing Models:

The amendments would re-legalize small housing units and shared housing models with common kitchen or bathroom facilities. This move seeks to address housing shortages and provide more diverse housing options.

Here is a full outline of the proposed changes is available in the annotated version of the draft zoning text released by the city.

For help in understanding these changes, and how they will apply to your upcoming projects, consult with an expert at Green Light Expediting today!