Chapter 4 - Special Permits by the City Planning Commission
General Provisions
In harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Resolution and in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Chapter, the City Planning Commission may, after public notice and hearing, grant special permits in specific districts for the uses listed in this Chapter, whose location or control requires special consideration or major planning factors, or for specified modifications of the use or bulk regulations of this Resolution, provided that in each specific case the requirement for findings as set forth in this Chapter shall constitute a condition precedent to the grant of such special permit.
In addition to meeting the requirements, conditions, and safeguards prescribed by the Commission as set forth in this Chapter, each such special permit use or building or other structure permitted hereunder shall conform to and comply with all of the applicable regulations on use, bulk, supplementary use regulations, regulations applying along district boundaries, accessory signs, accessory off-street parking and off-street loading, and all other applicable provisions of this Resolution except as otherwise specifically provided in this Chapter.
In addition, the Commission, with the concurrence of the Board of Estimate, shall also have the power to permit the renewal of an exception or permit issued prior to December 15, 1961, in accordance with the provisions of Section 11-41 relating to Exceptions, Variances or Permits Previously Authorized.
In all Special Purpose Districts, the provisions of Section 23-934 (Special permit approval in Special Purpose Districts), with respect to special permits that modify use or bulk, shall apply. In the Special Midtown District, the powers of the Commission to permit special permit uses are modified by the provisions of Section 81-13 (Special Permit Use Modifications), and the powers of the Commission to permit modification of the bulk regulations or grant bonus floor area for certain amenities are made inapplicable or modified in accordance with the provisions of Section 81-062 (Applicability of Chapter 4 of Article VII).
In the waterfront area, the powers of the Commission to grant special permits are made inapplicable or modified in accordance with the provisions of Section 62-132 (Applicability of Article VII, Chapters 4, 8 and 9).
Except as permitted pursuant to this Chapter, in R3, R4 or R5 Districts, the following uses listed under Use Group IV shall be subject to the height and setback requirements of an R2 District:
Fire stations
Police stations
Electric utility substations or public transit or railroad electric substations, limited to sites of not less than 40,000 square feet and not more than 10 acres
Sewage disposal plants.
Further Requirements
It shall be a further requirement that the decision or determination of the City Planning Commission shall set forth each required finding in each specific grant of a special permit use, or modification of the use or bulk regulations, and in each denial thereof which of the required findings has not been satisfied. In any such case, each finding shall be supported by substantial evidence or other data considered by the Commission in reaching its final decision, including the personal knowledge of or inspection by the members of the Commission.
An application to the City Planning Commission for the grant of a special permit respecting any of the uses specified in this Chapter shall include a site plan showing the location and proposed use of all buildings or other structures on the site, the location of all vehicular entrances and exits and off-street parking spaces, and such other information as may be required by the Commission.
The City Planning Commission may prescribe such conditions and safeguards to the grant of special permits as it may deem necessary in the specific case, in order to minimize the adverse effects of such special permit upon other property and the community at large. Such conditions and safeguards shall be incorporated in the building permit and certificate of occupancy. Failure to comply with such conditions or restrictions shall constitute a violation of this Resolution, and may constitute the basis for denial or revocation of a building permit or certificate of occupancy and for all other applicable remedies.
The City Planning Commission shall have the power to permit in the districts indicated, the special permit uses set forth in this Chapter and to prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards thereon, provided that in each specific case:
- The Commission shall make all of the findings required in the applicable sections of this Chapter with respect to each such special permit use, and shall find that the hazards or disadvantages to the community at large through the location of such use at the particular site are outweighed by the advantages to be derived by the community from the grant of such special permit use.
The Commission shall in each case determine that the adverse effects, if any, on the privacy, quiet, light and air in the neighborhood of such use will be minimized by appropriate conditions governing location of the site, design and method of operation. - In all cases, the Commission shall deny a special permit use whenever such use will interfere with a public improvement project (including housing, highways, public buildings or facilities, redevelopment or renewal projects, or rights-of-way for sewers, transit or other public facilities) which is approved by or pending before the Board of Estimate or City Planning Commission, as determined from the calendar of each such agency issued prior to the date of the public hearing on the application for a special permit use.
- Where, under the applicable findings, the Commission is required to determine whether the special permit use is appropriately located in relation to the street system, the Commission shall make such determination on the basis of the Master Plan of Arterial Highways and Major Streets. Whenever the Commission is required to make a finding on the location of a proposed special permit use in relation to secondary or local streets and such classification of streets is not shown on the Master Plan, the Commission shall thereupon establish the appropriate classification of such streets.
- All applications relating to Sections 74-41 to 74-70, inclusive, and Section 74-80 shall be referred by the Commission to the Department of Traffic for its report with respect to the anticipated traffic congestion resulting from such special permit use in the proposed location, and when so required in the specific Section, the Commission shall refer the application to a designated agency for a report on the issue in question. If such agency shall report thereon within one month from the date of referral, the Commission shall, in its determination, give due consideration to such report and, further, shall have the power to substantiate the appropriate findings solely on the basis of the report by such agency with respect to the issue referred. If such agency does not report within one month, the Commission may make a final determination without reference thereto.
- The Commission may authorize any special permit use for such term of years as it deems appropriate.
- The Commission may permit the enlargement or extension of any existing use which, if new, would be permitted by special permit in the specified districts under the provisions of Section 74-01 (General Provisions) and other applicable provisions of this Chapter, provided that before granting any such permit for enlargement or extension within the permitted districts, the Commission shall make all of the required findings applicable to the special permit use, except that:
- in the case of public parking garages or public parking lots, the Commission may waive all such applicable required findings set forth in Sections 74-193 or 74-194; and
- in the case of electric utility substations or public transit or railroad electric substations, the Commission may waive all such required findings set forth in Sections 74-142 or 74-147, except that the requirements with respect to site size shall not be waived.
No such enlargement or extension shall create a new non-compliance or increase the degree of non-compliance with the applicable bulk regulations.
Where a special permit application would allow a significant increase in residential floor area and the special floor area requirements in Mandatory Inclusionary Housing areas of paragraph (d) of Section 23-154 (Inclusionary Housing) are not otherwise applicable, the City Planning Commission, in establishing the appropriate terms and conditions for the granting of such special permit, shall apply such requirements where consistent with the objectives of the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program as set forth in Section 23-92 (General Provisions). However, where the Commission finds that such special permit application would facilitate significant public infrastructure or public facilities addressing needs that are not created by the proposed development, enlargement or conversion, the Commission may modify the requirements of such paragraph (d).
SPECIAL PERMIT USES
Residences
In the Borough of Staten Island, in C4-1 Districts that occupy at least four acres within a block and in other C4-1 Districts for zoning lots that had a lot area greater than 20,000 square feet on December 21, 2005, or on any subsequent date, the City Planning Commission may permit residences, provided such residences comply with the bulk regulations for R5 Districts as set forth in Article II, Chapter 3, or Article III, Chapter 5, as applicable.
In order to grant such permit, the Commission shall find that such residences are part of a superior site plan, such residences are compatible with the character of the surrounding area and that the streets providing access to such residences are adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby or provision has been made to handle such traffic.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate safeguards and conditions to minimize the adverse effect of any residences permitted under this Section on the character of the surrounding area.
The City Planning Commission may permit, as accessory to a use in Use Group 2 other than a single-family or two-family residence, an outdoor swimming pool to be located not less than 50 feet from any lot line, provided that such pool is so located as not to impair the essential character of the residential neighborhood.
The Commission may require that the pool be appropriately screened from other areas on the same or adjacent zoning lots. In special circumstances where the Commission finds that the design operates as a suitable buffer or the conditions of topography so warrant, the minimum distance of 50 feet may be reduced or waived.
The Commission shall in each case give due consideration to the effect of such location on the adjacent residences and the street and may impose appropriate conditions and safeguards.
Community Facilities
Long-term care facilities
The City Planning Commission may permit long-term care facilities listed under Use Group III(A) in locations where they are not permitted as-of-right, in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section.
- In R1 and R2 Districts
The Commission may permit long-term care facilities in R1 and R2 Districts, and in C1 and C2 Districts mapped within such Residence Districts, provided that the following findings are made:- such use is compatible with the character of the surrounding area;
- the proposed building access, orientation and landscaping create an adequate buffer between the proposed facility and nearby residences; and
- the streets providing access to such use are adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby or provision has been made to handle such traffic.
- In certain Community Districts
The Commission may permit the development of nursing homes, as defined in the New York State Public Health Law, or enlargements of existing nursing homes that increase the existing floor area by 15,000 square feet or more, in Community District 11 in the Borough of the Bronx, Community District 8 in the Borough of Manhattan, and Community District 1 in the Borough of Staten Island, provided that the Commission finds that the development of additional nursing home beds will not unduly burden such community district. However, such special permit shall not apply to developments or enlargements that are subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 22-16 (Special Regulations for Nursing Homes).
Where such use is permitted by the Commission, it may be eligible for bulk modification, pursuant to the provisions of Section 74-902 (Certain community facility uses in R1 and R2 Districts and certain Commercial Districts), or Section 74-903 (Certain community facility uses in R3 to R9 Districts and certain Commercial Districts), as applicable.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
The City Planning Commission may permit non-profit hospital staff dwellings in accordance with the conditions of paragraph (a) of this Section, provided that the findings of paragraph (b) are met.
(a) The Commission may permit:
(1) in all Residence Districts, or in C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 or C7 Districts, non-profit hospital staff dwellings located on a zoning lot, no portion of which is located more than 1,500 feet from the non-profit or voluntary hospital and related facilities; or
(2) in C4-2 Districts without a letter suffix, in Community District 11 in the Borough of the Bronx, non-profit hospital staff dwellings on zoning lots located not more than 1,500 feet from the non-profit or voluntary hospital and related facilities.
(b) To permit such non-profit hospital staff dwellings, the Commission shall find:
(1) that the bulk of such non-profit hospital staff dwelling and the density of population housed on the site will not impair the essential character or the future use or development of the surrounding area; and
(2) that the number of accessory off-street parking spaces provided for such use will be sufficient to prevent undue congestion of streets by such use.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In all Residence Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit a non-commercial outdoor swimming pool club, or any non-commercial club with an outdoor swimming pool located less than 500 feet from any lot line, provided that the following findings are made:
(a) that such use is so located as not to impair the essential character or future use or development of the nearby residential neighborhood;
(b) that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets;
(c) that such use has adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrance to prevent the congestion of automobiles on the streets;
(d) that in R1, R2, R3 or R4 Districts, the pool or any accessory facilities affixed to the land are not located closer than 100 feet or, in the case of an accessory outdoor tennis court, such tennis court shall not be closer than 20 feet, to any side or rear lot line coincident with a side or rear lot line of an adjoining zoning lot in a Residence District, and not located closer than 50 feet to any street line, and that any planned temporary enclosure such as an air-supported structure be indicated on the plans submitted with this application, and in no event shall such a structure be located closer than 50 feet from any street or lot line, if such a structure is planned subsequent to the approval of the special permit, then an amended application subject to the same approvals of this Section shall be submitted; and
(e) that for every 200 square feet of lot area used for the pool and its accessory facilities, one accessory off-street parking space is provided.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including limitations on signs or the hours of operation, or requirements for shielding of floodlights, screening or surfacing of all access roads or driveways.
In M1 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit any remaining uses listed under Use Group III(B), other than educational institutions, provided that such use is located not more than 400 feet from the boundary of a district where such facility is permitted as-of-right and the Commission finds that:
- an adequate separation from noise, traffic and other adverse effects of the surrounding non-residential districts is achieved through the use of sound-attenuating exterior wall and window construction or by the provision of adequate open areas along lot lines of the zoning lot;
- such facility is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets and that such use will not produce traffic congestion or other adverse effects that interfere with the appropriate use of land in the district or in any adjacent district;
- where applicable, adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrance and sufficient vehicular entrances and exits are provided to prevent congestion;
- in selecting the site, due consideration has been given to the proximity and adequacy of bus and rapid transit facilities;
- within the neighborhood primarily to be served by the community facility, there is no practical possibility of obtaining a site of adequate size located in a district where it is permitted as-of-right because appropriate sites in such districts are occupied by substantial improvements; and
- such facility will not impair the essential character of the surrounding area.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Fire or police stations
In all Residence Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit fire or police stations listed under Use Group IV(A), provided that the following findings are made:
(a) that such use will serve the residential area within which it is provided to be located; that there are serious difficulties in locating it in a district wherein it is permitted as-of-right and from which it could serve the residential area, which make it necessary to locate such use within a Residence District; and
(b) in the case of fire stations, that such use is so located as to minimize the movement of fire apparatus through local streets in residential areas.
For any such use, the Commission may permit appropriate modifications of the applicable regulations of Article II, Chapter 3, provided that such use complies with all the applicable district bulk regulations for community facility buildings as set forth in Article II, Chapter 4.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions or safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including requirements for landscaping.
Electric utility substations
In all Residence and Commercial Districts, and in M1 Districts in the Special Downtown Jamaica District, the City Planning Commission may permit electric utility substations (including transformers, switches, or auxiliary apparatus) listed under Use Group IV(B), limited in each case to a site of not less than 40,000 square feet nor more than 10 acres, provided that the following findings are made:
(a) that there are serious difficulties in locating such use in a nearby district where it is permitted as-of-right;
(b) that the site for such use is so located as to minimize the adverse effects on the integrity of existing and future development;
(c) that the architectural and landscaping treatment of such use will blend harmoniously with the rest of the area; and
(d) that such use will conform to the performance standards applicable to M1 Districts.
The City Planning Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including requirements for soundproofing of electric substations, for the construction of fences, barriers, or other safety devices, for surfacing of all access roads and driveways, for shielding of floodlights or other artificial illumination, or for landscaping or screening.
The City Planning Commission may permit sewage pumping stations and sewage disposal plants listed under Use Group IV(B) pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section, as applicable.
- Private sewage pumping stations and sewage disposal plants
In all Residence Districts, the Commission may permit private sanitary or storm water sewage pumping stations and sewage disposal plants, provided that:- such use will serve a development which contains more than 15 dwelling units;
- there are serious difficulties in locating it in a district where it is permitted as-of-right from which it could serve the residential area;
- in the case of sewage pumping stations, the sewers and treatment plants to which the flow is to be pumped will be adequate to accommodate anticipated future development in the area to be served by these facilities;
- for sewage disposal plants:
- the related development is arranged in such a way as best to serve active and passive recreation needs; protect and preserve scenic assets and natural features such as trees, streams and topographic features; and provide suitable variations in the siting of buildings to achieve these objectives; and
- the proposed plant will be adequate for anticipated development in the area to be served; or
- in all cases, the proposal promotes and protects the public health, safety and general welfare.
In addition, the Commission shall refer such application to the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Resources for a report.
The Commission may review the scope and impact of the proposal on public facilities and may, in addition, prescribe appropriate conditions or safeguards without dictating the architectural design of individual buildings in order to minimize adverse effects on the surrounding area.
- Private sewage disposal plants
In all Residence Districts, Commercial Districts and M1 and M2 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit private sewage disposal plants provided that:- such use will serve the commercial or residential area within which, or adjacent to which, it is to be located;
- that in the case of a residential area, such area contains more than 50 dwelling units; and
- that there are serious difficulties in locating it in a district where it is permitted as-of-right from which it could serve the residential area or commercial area.
In addition, the Commission shall refer such application to the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection for a report.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions or safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area including safety devices and the concealment of such use with fences, buffer zones, barriers or other screening devices, and landscaping.
- Municipal sewage pumping stations and sewage disposal plants
In all Residence Districts, the Commission may permit municipal sewage pumping stations, and in all Residence Districts, Commercial Districts and M1 and M2 Districts, the Commission may permit municipal sewage disposal plants, provided that:- there are serious difficulties in locating it in a district where it is permitted as-of-right;
- in the case of sewage disposal plants, the proposed plant will be adequate for anticipated development in the area to be served;
- in the case of sewage pumping stations, the sewers and treatment plants to which the flow is to be pumped will be adequate to accommodate anticipated future development in the area to be served by these facilities; and
- in all cases, the proposal promotes and protects the public health, safety and general welfare.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions or safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area including safety devices and the concealment of such use with fences, buffer zones, barriers or other screening devices and landscaping.
Airports
In all Manufacturing Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit the construction, reconstruction, or enlargement of airports and their facilities listed under Use Group IV(B), in any case where the applicant has submitted a site plan showing the location and dimensions of all runways, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the airport is an appropriate use of the land and will not unduly interfere with surrounding land uses; and
- that due consideration has been given to the selection of a site situated near or adjacent to large parks or other open areas, or bodies of water.
The Commission shall refer the application to the Federal Aviation Administration, for the report of such agency as to whether such airport is either an integral part of, or will not interfere with, the general plan of airports for New York City and the surrounding metropolitan region; and whether a new, reoriented, or lengthened runway will interfere with the flight pattern of any nearby airport.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, and in the event that the application is granted, the Commission may adopt a resolution to amend the zoning maps so that for a depth of at least one-quarter mile around the entire perimeter of the airport, any adjacent Residence District shall be mapped as an R1, R2, or R3 District, and any adjacent Commercial or Manufacturing District shall be mapped as a C1, C2, C3, C4-1, C7, C8-1, C8-2, M1-1, M1-2, M1-4, M2-1, M2-3 or M3 District.
The Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by such use and shall determine the required spaces in accordance with the purposes established in this Resolution with respect to other major traffic-generating facilities.
Bus Stations
The City Planning Commission may permit bus stations listed under Use Group IV(B) with fewer than 10 berths pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section, and with 10 or more berths pursuant to paragraph (b).
All bus stations lawfully existing on December 15, 1961 are permitted to continue for the duration of the term for which such use has been authorized but the enlargement, extension, reconstruction or relocation of any bus station heretofore or hereafter constructed shall not be permitted except in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Section.
- In C1, C2, C4, C6, C7 or C8 Districts, or in any Manufacturing District, the Commission may permit bus stations with fewer than 10 berths for buses on a site of not less than 20,000 square feet, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the use of the premises as a bus station will not create serious traffic congestion, will not be detrimental to public health or general welfare and is consistent with the master plan of the city;
- that the principal access of such use is not located on a local street;
- that vehicular entrances and exits for such facility are provided separately and are located not less than 50 feet apart; and
- that access to such use is located on a street not less than 60 feet in width.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In addition, the Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by such use, and shall determine the required spaces in accordance with the purposes established in this Resolution with respect to other major traffic-generating facilities. The Commission shall require, in any event, not less than 10 spaces for the temporary parking of automobiles.
- In C4, C6 or Manufacturing Districts, the Commission may permit the construction of a bus station with 10 or more berths for buses on a site of not less than 20,000 square feet, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the use of the premises as a bus station will not create serious traffic congestion, will not be detrimental to public health or general welfare and is consistent with the master plan of the city;
- that the principal access for such use is not located on a local street but is located either on an arterial highway, a major street or a secondary street within one-quarter mile of an arterial highway or major street;
- that such use is not located within 200 feet of a Residence District, or is otherwise separated from nearby residential areas by topographical or physical conditions of the land;
- that vehicular entrances and exits for such facility are provided separately and are located not less than 100 feet apart; and
- that access to such use is located on a street not less than 60 feet in width.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In addition, the Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by such use and shall determine the required spaces in accordance with the purposes established in this Resolution with respect to other major traffic-generating facilities. The Commission shall require, in any event, no less than 20 spaces for the temporary parking of automobiles.
Heliports
In C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 or C8 Districts or in any Manufacturing District, the City Planning Commission may permit the construction, reconstruction, or enlargement of heliports and their facilities listed under Use Group IV(B) where the applicant has submitted a site plan showing the location of landing areas, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the heliport is an appropriate use of the land and will not unduly interfere with surrounding land uses; and
- that due consideration has been given to the selection of a site situated near or adjacent to large parks or other open areas, or bodies of water.
The Commission shall refer the application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the report of such agency as to whether the heliport is either an integral part of, or will not interfere with, the general plan of airports for New York City and the surrounding metropolitan region.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
The Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by such use and shall determine the required spaces in accordance with the purposes established in the Resolution with respect to other major traffic-generating facilities.
In all Residence and Commercial Districts, and in M1 Districts in the Special Downtown Jamaica District, the City Planning Commission may permit public transit or railroad electric substations, listed under Use Group IV(B), limited in each case to a site of not less than 40,000 square feet nor more than 10 acres, provided that the following findings are made:
- that there are serious difficulties in locating such use in a nearby district where it is permitted as-of-right;
- that the site for such use is so located as to minimize the adverse effects on the integrity of existing and future development;
- that the architectural and landscaping treatment of such use will blend harmoniously with the rest of the area; and
- that such use will conform to the performance standards applicable to M1 Districts.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including requirements for soundproofing of electric substations, for the construction of fences, barriers, or other safety devices, for surfacing of all access roads and driveways, for shielding of floodlights or other artificial illumination, or for landscaping or screening.
Railroad passenger stations
- Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section, the City Planning Commission may permit the construction of railroad passenger stations listed under Use Group IV(B) in all districts, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the principal access for such use is not located on a local street;
- that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in residential areas; and
- that vehicular entrances and exits for such use are provided separately and are located not less than 50 feet apart.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including requirements for shielding of floodlights or surfacing of access roads or driveways.In addition, the Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by such use, and shall determine the required spaces in accordance with the purposes established in this Resolution with respect to other major traffic-generating facilities. The Commission shall require, in any event, not less than 20 spaces for the temporary parking of automobiles, and three spaces for buses.
- In Community Districts 4 and 5 in the Borough of Manhattan, the Commission may permit the construction of railroad passenger stations and ventilation facilities or other facilities or services used or required in connection with such railroad passenger station or in connection with an underground railroad right-of-way that provides access to such railroad passenger station, and may permit waivers of applicable bulk regulations, other than floor area ratio, in connection with such ventilation facilities, or other facilities or services, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the principal access for such railroad passenger station is not located on a local street;
- that such railroad passenger station is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in residential areas;
- that any vehicular entrances and exits for such railroad passenger station are provided separately and are located not less than 50 feet apart;
- that the locations of at-grade entrances to such railroad passenger station are well situated in relation to existing at-grade pedestrian circulation patterns;
- that any below-grade pedestrian circulation elements provided in connection with the railroad passenger station are well integrated with any existing or planned below-grade pedestrian circulation networks providing connections to and from other transportation facilities; and
- for ventilation facilities or other facilities or services used or required in connection with a railroad passenger station or in connection with an underground railroad right-of-way that provides access to a railroad passenger station, that:
- any bulk modifications are the minimum necessary for the proper operation of the facility; and
- the design of the facility will blend harmoniously with the surrounding area or that a process has been created with the purpose of ensuring that the future design of the facility takes into account existing conditions and anticipated development in the surrounding area.
Railroad passenger station entrances provided pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this Section and railroad passenger station emergency access stairs, located within publicly accessible open areas of zoning lots subject to the provisions of Section 81-542 (Retention of floor area bonus for plazas or other public spaces), shall be permitted obstructions within such publicly accessible open areas, provided that the Commission finds that any encroachment within such publicly accessible open areas by such entrances or emergency access stairs will facilitate improved pedestrian circulation to, from and within the proposed railroad passenger station.
The special permit shall provide that such publicly accessible open area shall be designed and improved in connection with the installation of entrances or railroad passenger station emergency access stairs pursuant to a site plan accepted by the Chairperson of the Commission. The proposed site plan shall be referred to the affected Community Board, City Council Member and Borough President. Included with the site plan shall be a report to the Chairperson demonstrating that any comments and recommendations of the affected Community Board, City Council Member and Borough President have been considered, as set forth in a written response to such comments or recommendations. Where design modifications have been made in response to such comments and recommendations, the report shall identify how the design has been modified. The Chairperson shall not accept such site plan prior to 60 days after such referral. A publicly accessible open area improved pursuant to an accepted site plan shall be deemed to be certified pursuant to Section 37-625 (Design changes) and the standards set forth therein. Subsequent modifications of the site plan for such publicly accessible open area, including modifications involving the co-location of transportation facility entrances, shall be subject to this paragraph. An application to modify the site plan to facilitate the co-location of railroad passenger station entrances may be filed by the transportation agency seeking to co-locate a transportation facility entrance in the publicly accessible open area or by the property owner. Such application shall include evidence of consultation with any transportation agency with existing or planned facilities located in the publicly accessible open area. The modified site plan shall also be referred to such transportation agency by the Chairperson for comment.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize pedestrian and vehicular congestion and to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including requirements for shielding of floodlights, surfacing of access roads or driveways, mitigation of pedestrian impacts, signage requirements, or screening or placement of the facilities or services permitted pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section.
Seaplane bases
In all districts, the City Planning Commission may permit seaplane bases listed under Use Group IV(B) provided that the following findings are made:
- that such use and the take-off and landing operations it serves are so located as not to impair the essential character or future use or development of the surrounding area; and
- that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in residential areas.
The Commission shall refer the application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the report of such agency as to whether the seaplane base is either an integral part of, or will not interfere with, the general plan of airports for New York City and the surrounding metropolitan region.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
The Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by such use and shall determine the required spaces in accordance with the purposes established in this Resolution.
Transient Accommodations
In R10H Districts
In R10H Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit transient hotels listed under Use Group V. Where a building in existence on December 15, 1961, is located on a zoning lot, a substantial portion of which is located in an R10H District and the remainder in a Commercial District, the Commission may also permit the conversion of specified floor area within such building from residential use to transient hotel use without regard to the floor area, supplementary use or density regulations otherwise applicable in the Commercial District. The Commission may also allow any subsequent conversion of such specified floor area to and from residential or transient hotel use to occur without further Commission approval, subject to the conditions of the special permit.
As a condition precedent to the granting of such use or bulk modifications, the Commission shall find that such modifications will not impair the essential character of the Residence District.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In Commercial Districts
In C1, C2, C4, C5, C6, C7 and C8 Districts, M1 Districts paired with a Residence District, or M1-6D Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit transient hotels, motels, or tourist cabins listed under Use Group V, as set forth in Sections 32-15 and 42-15 (Use Group V – Transient Accommodations), that are not otherwise permitted pursuant to the provisions of Section 32-152 or 42-152 (Use Group V – uses subject to additional conditions). The Commission may also permit transient hotels, motels, or tourist cabins made permissible in Special Purpose Districts of this Resolution.
In order to grant such special permit, the Commission shall find that:
- the site plan incorporates elements that address any potential conflicts between the proposed use and adjacent uses, such as the location of the proposed access to the building and to service areas for refuse and laundry, and the building’s orientation and landscaping;
- such use will not cause undue vehicular or pedestrian congestion on local streets or unduly inhibit vehicular or pedestrian movement or loading operations; and
- such use will not impair the future use or development of the surrounding area.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In M1 Districts
In M1 Districts, other than those subject to the provisions of Section 74-152 (In Commercial Districts), the City Planning Commission may permit transient hotels, motels or tourist cabins listed in Use Group V, as set forth in Section 42-15 (Use Group V – Transient Accommodations), that are not otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 42-152 (Use Group V – uses subject to additional conditions).
In order to grant such special permit, the Commission shall find that:
- the site plan incorporates elements that address any potential conflicts between the proposed use and adjacent uses, such as the location of the proposed access to the building and to service areas for refuse and laundry, and the building’s orientation and landscaping;
- the site plan demonstrates that the proposed street wall location and the design and landscaping of any area of the zoning lot between the street line and all street walls of the building and their prolongations will result in a site design that does not impair the character of the existing streetscape;
- such use will not cause undue vehicular or pedestrian congestion on local streets or unduly inhibit vehicular or pedestrian movement or loading operations; and
- such use will not impair the essential character including, but not limited to, existing industrial businesses, or future use or development of the surrounding area.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Retail and Services
Retail and service uses
In all Commercial Districts and Manufacturing Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications to uses listed under Use Group VI, as set forth in Sections 32-16 and 42-16 (Use Group VI – Retail and Services), pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section, provided that the findings in paragraph (b) are met.
- For uses listed under Use Group VI, other than those uses for which another permit exists pursuant to Section 74-16, inclusive, the Commission may permit modifications to a size limitation, denoted in the Use Group table with an “S”, beyond any size limitation established by special permit of the Board of Standards and Appeals pursuant to Section 73-16, inclusive.
In conjunction with such size modification, the Commission may permit: modifications to supplementary use regulations, including enclosure and location within buildings provisions; or modifications to additional conditions, denoted in the Use Group table with a “P”, including environmental standards, geographic limitations, or other measures. - In order to grant such permit, the Commission shall find that:
- such use will not impair the character or the future use or development of the surrounding area;
- such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic and pedestrian flow; and
- the modifications are necessary to support the operation of such use.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Offices and Laboratories
Laboratories
In Residence Districts and Commercial Districts, C1 or C2 Districts in the Borough of Manhattan, in other C1 or C2 Districts that are not select commercial overlays, and in other Commercial Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit laboratories listed under Use Group VII, not otherwise allowed by the underlying use regulations. In conjunction with such modifications the Commission may also permit modifications to the underlying sign regulations.
In order to grant such use modifications, the Commission shall find that such facility meets the applicable conditions of paragraph (a), the findings of paragraph (b) and the additional requirements of paragraph (c)
- Conditions
As a condition for the special permit, such facility shall:- conform to the performance standards applicable to M1 Districts;
- occupy a zoning lot containing no residential use; and
- in Residence Districts, occupy a large-scale community facility development or occupy either a single zoning lot used predominantly for community facility uses that has an area of at least 40,000 square feet, or two or more contiguous zoning lot, or lots that would be contiguous but for their separation by a street, under the same single fee ownership or alternate ownership arrangements, used predominantly for community facility uses, that has an area of at least 40,000 square feet; and
- Findings
In order to grant such permit, the Commission shall find that the laboratory:- will not unduly affect the essential character or impair the future use and development of the surrounding area;
- will be located so as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets;
- provides fully enclosed storage space for all raw materials, finished products, by-products and waste materials including debris, refuse and garbage; and
- with regard to sign modifications:
- the modifications are consistent with the amount and location of signage for other laboratories and are appropriate on the zoning lot; and
- illuminated signs, if provided, utilize an illumination type, and are located and oriented in a manner so as to minimize any negative effects on nearby residences; and do not alter the essential character of the adjacent area.
- Additional requirements
For the purposes of applying bulk regulations to such laboratory, the following shall apply:- in all districts, where such laboratory will occupy a large-scale community facility development or occupy either a single zoning lot used predominantly for community facility uses that has an area of at least 40,000 square feet, or two or more contiguous zoning lot, or lots that would be contiguous but for their separation by a street, under the same single fee ownership or alternate ownership arrangements, used predominantly for community facility uses, that has an area of at least 40,000 square feet, the floor area associated with such laboratory shall be considered community facility floor area, and all other associated community facility bulk regulations shall apply; and
- in all other instances, the floor area associated with such laboratory shall be considered commercial floor area, and all other associated commercial bulk regulations shall apply.
Modifications to the applicable bulk regulations may be made in conjunction with such laboratory, by special permit of the City Planning Commission, pursuant to Section 74-901.
In order to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare, the City Planning Commission may impose additional conditions and safeguards and more restrictive performance standards where necessary.
In C1 or C2 Districts that are not select commercial overlays, in all other Commercial Districts and in Manufacturing Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications to uses listed under Use Group VIII, as set forth in Sections 32-18 and 42-18 (Use Group VIII – Recreation, Entertainment and Assembly Spaces), pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section, provided that the findings in paragraph (b) are met.
- For uses listed under Use Group VIII, other than those uses for which another permit exists pursuant to Section 74-18, inclusive, the Commission may permit modifications to a size limitation, denoted in the Use Group table with an “S”, beyond any size limitation established by special permit of the Board of Standards and Appeals pursuant to Section 73-18, inclusive.
In conjunction with such size modification, the Commission may permit: modifications to supplementary use regulations, including enclosure and location within buildings provisions; or modifications to additional conditions, denoted in the Use Group table with a “P”, including environmental standards, geographic limitations, or other measures. - In order to grant such permit, the Commission shall find that:
- such use will not impair the character or the future use or development of the surrounding area;
- such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic and pedestrian flow; and
- the modifications are necessary to support the operation of such use.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
- The City Planning Commission may permit arenas, auditoriums or stadiums, or trade expositions, as listed in Use Group VIII, with a capacity in excess of 2,500 seats for arenas, auditoriums or stadiums, or with a rated capacity in excess of 2,500 persons for trade expositions, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the principal vehicular access for such use is not located on a local street but is located on an arterial highway, a major street or a secondary street within one-quarter mile of an arterial highway or major street;
- that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in nearby residential areas;
- that such use is not located within 200 feet of a Residence District;
- that adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrance, and sufficient vehicular entrances and exits, are provided to prevent traffic congestion;
- that vehicular entrances and exits for such use are provided separately and are located not less than 100 feet apart; and
- that due consideration has been given to the proximity of bus and rapid transit facilities to serve such use.
- In Community District 7 in the Borough of the Bronx, the Commission may permit an indoor arena with a maximum seating capacity of 6,000 within 200 feet of a Residence District and, in conjunction with such arena, permit modifications of the provisions of Sections 32-64 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), 32-655 (Height of signs in all other Commercial Districts), and 36-62 (Required Accessory Off-street Loading Berths), provided that:
- the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(4), (a)(5) and (a)(6) of this Section are met;
- open space surrounding such arena will be located and arranged to provide adequate pedestrian gathering areas to minimize disruption to the surrounding areas;
- the arena includes noise attenuation features and measures which serve to reduce arena-related noise in the surrounding area, including at nearby residences;
- where Sections 32-64 and 32-655 are modified, a signage plan has been submitted showing the location, size, height and illumination of all signs on the zoning lot, and the Commission finds that all such signs, and any illumination from or directed upon such signs, are located and arranged so as to minimize any negative effects from the arena use on nearby residences; and
- where Section 36-62 is modified, a loading plan has been submitted that addresses the operational needs of all servicers of the arena and shows the number, location and arrangement of all loading berths on the zoning lot, and the Commission finds that such loading plan is adequate to address the loading demand generated by the arena use and has received assurances that the arena operator will implement such plan in accordance with its terms.
- In the Pennsylvania Station Subarea B4 of the Farley Corridor Subdistrict B of the Special Hudson Yards District, the Commission may permit arenas with seating in excess of 2,500 persons, provided that the following findings are made:
- the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(6) of this Section are met; and
- the proposed loading for the arena will not unduly: interfere with the use of public spaces; interfere with transit facilities; interrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic in the pedestrian circulation network; or interfere with the efficient functioning of adjacent streets including for the staging or queuing of vehicles for loading or for security checks. An application for this special permit shall include a loading operations plan that describes the number, location and arrangement of all loading berths on the zoning lot as well as the location and management of off-site storage and staging of vehicles associated with the arena use. The plan shall be referred to the Department of Transportation and affected transit agencies for a report or recommendations on the plan. The Commission shall, in its determination, give due consideration to these reports and recommendations.
The Commission may require that, within six months of approval of the special permit, the applicant submit to the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission a transportation management plan, developed in consultation with the Department of City Planning and the Department of Transportation, to detail the loading operations plan.The Chairperson shall certify that the loading operations, as described in the transportation management plan, comply with the relevant conditions of the Commission’s resolution.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including limitations on signs, requirements for soundproofing of arenas or auditoriums, shielding of floodlights, screening of open uses or surfacing all access roads or driveways. The Commission may also prescribe requirements for pedestrian-accessible open areas surrounding the arena, auditorium or stadium, including accessory directional or building identification signs located therein. In addition, within Pennsylvania Station Subarea B4 of the Special Hudson Yards District, design changes to existing plazas located within such pedestrian-accessible open areas may be made without a certification by the Chairperson of the Commission pursuant to Section 37-625, and the design standards of Section 37-70, inclusive, shall not apply to such plazas.
Drive-in theaters
In C7 or C8 Districts or any Manufacturing District, the City Planning Commission may permit drive-in theaters listed under Use Group VIII, limited to a maximum capacity of 500 automobiles, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the principal vehicular access for such use is not located on a local street or an arterial highway but is located on a major or secondary street within one-quarter mile of an arterial highway;
- that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in nearby residential areas;
- that such use is not located within 200 feet of a Residence District;
- that adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrance, and sufficient vehicular entrances and exits, are provided to prevent congestion; and
- that vehicular entrances and exits for such use are provided separately and are located not less than 100 feet apart.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including limitations on signs or requirements for shielding of floodlights, screening or surfacing all access roads or driveways.
Racetracks
In C8 Districts or any Manufacturing District, the City Planning Commission may permit racetracks listed under Use Group VIII, provided that the following findings are made:
- that the principal vehicular access for such use is not located on a local street but is located either on an arterial highway, a major street, or a secondary street within one-quarter mile of an arterial highway or major street;
- that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in nearby residential areas;
- that adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrance, and sufficient vehicular entrances and exits, are provided to prevent congestion;
- that vehicular entrances and exits for such use are provided separately and are located not less than 100 feet apart; and
- that, in selecting the site, due consideration has been given to the proximity and adequacy of bus and rapid transit facilities.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including limitations on signs or requirements for shielding of floodlights, screening or surfacing all access roads or driveways.
In addition, the Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by such use, and shall determine the required spaces in accordance with the requirements established in this Resolution with respect to other major traffic generating uses.
Storage
In C1 or C2 Districts in the Borough of Manhattan, in other C1 or C2 Districts that are not select commercial overlays, and in C4 through C7 Districts, C1, C2, C4, C5, C6 and C7 Districts, for micro-distribution facilities listed under Use Group IX(A), as set forth in Sections 32-19 (Use Group IX – Storage), the City Planning Commission may permit modifications to a size limitation, denoted in the Use Group table with an “S”, beyond any size limitation established by special permit of the Board of Standards and Appeals pursuant to Section 73-19.
In order to grant such permit, the Commission shall find that:
- such use will not impair the character or the future use or development of the surrounding area;
- such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic and pedestrian flow; and
- the modifications are necessary to support the operation of such use.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area
On zoning lots in designated areas within Manufacturing Districts in Subarea 2, as shown on the maps in Appendix J (Designated Areas Within Manufacturing Districts) of this Resolution, the City Planning Commission may permit the development, enlargement not permitted pursuant to the provisions of Section 42-193 (Use Group IX – uses subject to additional conditions), or change of use of a building for self-service storage facility use listed under Use Group IX(A).
To grant such permit, the Commission shall find that the zoning lot is appropriate for such self-service storage facility use, based on the land use characteristics of the proposed zoning lot and the surrounding area. In making this determination, the Commission may consider the following:
- whether such use is consistent with the economic development objectives of the City for the designated area in which the self-service storage facility seeks to be located, and may, in making this determination, consult with the Department of Small Business Services;
- whether recent trends for and levels of investment in “qualifying uses”, as defined below, demonstrate that there is minimal demand for space for such uses in the surrounding area;
- whether the size and configuration of the zoning lot make it better suited for self-service storage facility use than for “qualifying uses”;
- for changes of use to existing buildings, whether the design and layout of loading docks, interior column spacing, floor-to-ceiling height and other relevant physical characteristics of the existing building make the building better suited for self-service storage facility use than for “qualifying uses”;
- whether the distance of the zoning lot from an arterial highway or a designated truck route, or lack of frontage on a wide street, makes the zoning lot better suited for self-service storage facility use than for “qualifying uses”;
- whether the distance of the zoning lot from mass transit that serves employees makes the zoning lot better suited for self-service storage facility use than for “qualifying uses”;
- whether the establishment of a self-service storage facility will cause environmental remediation work to be undertaken on the zoning lot; or
- whether there is a concentration of existing self-service storage facilities in the surrounding area.
For the purposes of this Section, “qualifying uses” shall include industrial drycleaning and laundry services listed in Use Group VI, as well as uses listed in Use Group IX (other than a self-service storage facility), or Use Group X.
The Commission may impose appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize any adverse effects upon the existing uses in the surrounding area.
In C8 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit trucking terminals or motor freight stations listed under Use Group IX(A), with sites in excess of 20,000 square feet, provided that the following findings are made:
(a) that the principal access for such use is not on a local street but is located within one-quarter mile of a secondary or major street;
(b) that vehicular entrances and exits for such use are provided separately and are located not less than 100 feet apart;
(c) that such use is not located within 200 feet of a Residence District boundary; and
(d) that access to such use is located on a street not less than 60 feet in width.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including requirements for shielding of floodlights, screening and surfacing all access roads or driveways.
In C1-1, C1-2, C1-3, C1-4, C2-1, C2-2, C2-3, C2-4, C4-1, C4-2, C4-3, C4-4, C4-5D, C7 outside the expanded Transit Zone, C8-1, C8-2, C8-3, M1-1, M1-2, M1-3, M2-1, M2-2 or M3-1 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit public parking garages or public parking lots listed under Use Group IX(C), with more than 150 spaces, provided that the applicable regulations set forth in Sections 36-53 (Width of Curb Cuts and Location of Access to the Street) or 44-43 (Location of Access to the Street), Sections 36-55 or 44-44 (Surfacing) and Sections 36-56 or 44-45 (Screening) are met. The Commission may permit some of such spaces to be located on the roof of such public parking garage, or may permit floor space on one or more stories and up to a height of 23 feet above curb level to be exempted from the definition of floor area as set forth in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS). As a condition of permitting such use, the Commission shall make the following findings:
- that the principal vehicular access for such use is located on an arterial highway, a major street or a secondary street within one-quarter mile of an arterial highway or major street, except that in C5 or C6 Districts such access may be located on a local street;
- that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in nearby residential areas;
- that such use has adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrances to accommodate either 10 automobiles or five percent of the total parking spaces provided by the use, whichever amount is greater, but in no event shall such reservoir space be required for more than 50 automobiles;
- that the streets providing access to such use will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby;
- that, where roof parking is permitted, such roof parking is so located as not to impair the essential character or future use or development of adjacent areas; and
- that, where any floor space is exempted from the definition of floor area, such additional floor space is needed in order to prevent excessive on-street parking demand and relieve traffic congestion.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including limitations on signs or requirements for shielding of floodlights, for locations of entrances and exits, or for setback of any roof parking areas from lot lines.
This Section shall not apply to the Manhattan Core where the regulations set forth in Article I, Chapter 3, shall apply, except as provided in Section 13-06 (Previously Filed or Approved Special Permits or Authorizations).
For existing public parking garages located within a C4-4 District in Community District 4 in the Borough of Queens where such garage facility existed before October 17, 2019, and was previously granted a special permit pursuant to this Section, the finding set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section shall not apply. In lieu thereof, the number of reservoir spaces required shall be consistent with a finding that the permitted parking facility will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit vehicular traffic and pedestrian flow in the surrounding area.
In C1-5, C1-6, C1-7, C1-8, C1-9, C2-5, C2-6, C2-7, C2-8, C4-5, C4-5A, C4-5X, C4-6, C4-7, C5, C6, C7 inside the Expanded Transit Zone, C8-4, M1-4, M1-5, M1-6, M2-3, M2-4 or M3-2 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit public parking garages or public parking lots listed under Use Group IX(C), with any capacity for public parking garages, or with more than 150 spaces for public parking lots, provided that the applicable regulations set forth in Sections 36-53 (Width of Curb Cuts and Location of Access to the Street) or 44-43 (Location of Access to the Street), Sections 36-55 or 44-44 (Surfacing) and Sections 36-56 or 44-45 (Screening) are met.
The Commission may permit some of such spaces to be located on the roof of such public parking garage, or may permit floor space on one or more stories and up to a height of 23 feet above curb level, to be exempted from the definition of floor area as set forth in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS). As a condition of permitting such use, the Commission shall make the following findings:
- that such use will not be incompatible with, or adversely affect the growth and development of, uses comprising vital and essential functions in the general area within which such use is to be located;
- that such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic and pedestrian flow;
- that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in nearby residential areas;
- that such use has adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrances to accommodate automobiles equivalent in number to 20 percent of the total number of spaces up to 50 and five percent of any spaces in excess of 200, but in no event shall such reservoir space be required for more than 50 automobiles;
- that the streets providing access to such use will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby;
- that, where roof parking is permitted, such roof parking is so located as not to impair the essential character or future use or development of adjacent areas; and
- that, where any floor space is exempted from the definition of floor area, such additional floor space is needed in order to prevent excessive on-street parking demand and relieve traffic congestion.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area including limitations on signs, or requirements for shielding of floodlights, for locations of entrances and exits, or for setback of any roof parking areas from lot lines.
This Section shall not apply to the Manhattan Core where the regulations set forth in Article I, Chapter 3, shall apply, except as provided in Section 13-06 (Previously Filed or Approved Special Permits or Authorizations).
Production Uses
Production uses
In C1 or C2 Districts in the Borough of Manhattan, in other C1 or C2 Districts that are not select commercial overlays, in all other Commercial Districts, and in Manufacturing Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications to the uses listed under Use Group X, as set forth in Sections 32-20 and 42-20 (Use Group X – Production Uses), pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section, provided that the findings in paragraph (b) are met.
- For uses listed under Use Group X, other than those uses for which another permit exists pursuant to Section 74-21 (Production Uses), inclusive, the Commission may permit modifications to a size limitation, denoted with an “S” in the Use Group table, beyond any size limitation established by special permit of the Board of Standards and Appeals pursuant to Section 73-21 (Production Uses), inclusive.
In conjunction with such size modification, the Commission may permit: modifications to supplementary use regulations, including enclosure and location within buildings provisions; or modifications to additional conditions, denoted in the Use Group table with a “P”, including environmental standards, geographic limitations, or other measures.
- In order to grant such permit, the Commission shall find that:
- such use will not impair the character or the future use or development of the surrounding area;
- such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic and pedestrian flow; and
- the modifications are necessary to support the operation of such use.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In Residence Districts the City Planning Commission may allow, by special permit, modifications to the underlying use regulations to permit uses that would be permitted in a C2 District on the ground floor level of a building. However, accessory drive-through facilities serving a use listed under Use Group VI, as set forth in Section 32-16 (Use Group VI – Retail and Services), shall not be permitted. The Commission may also permit the sign regulations applicable to a C2 District to be applied to such use. In order to grant such permit, the Commission shall find that the conditions of paragraph (a) and the findings of paragraph (b) are met.
- Conditions
As a condition for the special permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed use:- is located on a large-scale development, or is located on either a single zoning lot that has an area of at least 1.5 acres, or two or more contiguous zoning lots, or lots that would be contiguous but for their separation by a street, under the same single fee ownership or alternate ownership arrangements, that has an area of at least 1.5 acres and contains residences; and
- does not exceed a size of 15,000 square feet. The floor area associated with such uses permitted in a C2 District shall be considered a community facility use for the purposes of determining compliance with the applicable district floor area ratio regulations.
- Findings
In order to grant the special permit, the Commission shall find that:- such use will serve residents on the zoning lot and the surrounding residential area;
- such use will generate a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets and will not create traffic congestion;
- such use will not produce objectionable effects; and
- such use, including any permitted signs, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood in which the building is located.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In C1-2 and C2-2 Districts, for youth-oriented or senior citizen-oriented community centers and non-profit neighborhood settlement houses, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications of the parking requirement of Section 36-21, provided the following findings are made:
- that, because of site limitations, such a reduction is necessary for the proper design and operation of such community centers and non-profit neighborhood settlement houses; and
- that available off-site parking and mass transit facilities are adequate to satisfy the additional parking demand generated by such community facility.
In all districts in the Transit Zone, the City Planning Commission may permit a waiver of, or a reduction in, the number of required accessory off-street parking spaces for dwelling units in a development or enlargement that includes at least 20 percent of all dwelling units as income-restricted housing units as defined in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS), provided the Commission finds that such waiver or reduction:
- will facilitate such development or enlargement. Such finding shall be made upon consultation with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development;
- will not cause traffic congestion; and
- will not have undue adverse effects on residents, businesses or community facilities in the surrounding area, as applicable, including the availability of parking spaces for such uses.
The Commission may impose appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
The City Planning Commission may permit group parking facilities accessory to uses in large-scale residential developments or large-scale community facility developments or large-scale general developments with more than the prescribed maximum number of parking spaces set forth in Sections 25-12, 36-12 and 44-12 (Maximum Size of Accessory Group Parking Facilities) or may permit modifications of the applicable provisions of Sections 25-11, 36-11 and 44-11 (General Provisions) so as to permit off-street parking spaces accessory to such uses to be located on the roof of a building.
As a condition of permitting such exceptions or modifications, the Commission shall make the following findings:
(a) that such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local streets in residential areas;
(b) that such use has adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrance to accommodate either 10 automobiles or five percent of the total parking spaces provided by the use, whichever amount is greater, but in no event shall such reservoir space be required for more than 50 automobiles;
(c) that the streets providing access to such use will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby; and
(d) that where roof parking is permitted, such roof parking is so located as not to impair the essential character or future use or development.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area including requirements for shielding of floodlights, for locations of entrances and exits, or for setback of any roof parking areas from lot lines.
This Section shall not apply to the Manhattan Core where the regulations set forth in Article I, Chapter 3, shall apply, or to the Long Island City area, as defined in Section 16-02 (Definitions), where the regulations set forth in Article I, Chapter 6, shall apply.
The City Planning Commission may, in conjunction with an application for a large-scale residential development or large-scale general development in the Transit Zone seeking a bulk modification, reduce or waive the number of required accessory residential off-street parking spaces, including any spaces previously required for an existing building on the zoning lot, provided the Commission finds that:
(a) where the applicant is seeking a reduction of parking spaces required by Section 25-23 (Requirements Where Group Parking Facilities Are Provided), such reduction will facilitate the creation or preservation of income-restricted housing units in such large-scale residential development or large-scale general development. Such finding shall be made upon consultation with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development;
(b) the anticipated rates of automobile ownership for residents of such large-scale residential development or large-scale general development are minimal and that such reduction or waiver is warranted;
(c) such reduction of parking spaces will not have undue adverse impacts on the residents, businesses or community facilities in the surrounding area, including the availability of parking spaces for such uses; and
(d) such reduction of parking spaces will result in a better site plan.
In determining the amount of parking spaces to reduce or waive, the Commission may take into account current automobile ownership patterns for an existing building containing residences on the zoning lot, as applicable.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the surrounding area.
Rear Yard Modifications
In C4, C6, C7, C8, M1, M2 or M3 Districts, for public parking garages with more than 150 spaces, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications of the applicable regulations in Sections 33-26 to 33-30, inclusive, and Sections 43-26 to 43-31, inclusive, relative to rear yard regulations, provided the following findings are made:
(a) that the public parking garage will alleviate excessive on-street parking demand and thereby relieve traffic congestion in the area; and
(b) that because of site limitations such modification is necessary for the proper design and operation of the public parking garage.
The Commission shall consider the characteristics of surrounding development and may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of adjacent areas.
- In all districts, when a development or enlargement, including large-scale developments pursuant to Section 74-74, 78-00 et seq. or 79-00 et seq. is located partially or entirely within a railroad or transit right-of-way or yard and/or in railroad or transit air space, the City Planning Commission may permit:
- that portion of the railroad or transit right-of-way or yard which will be completely covered over by a permanent platform to be included in the lot area for such development or enlargement;
- any portion of the right-of-way or yard where railroad or transit use has been permanently discontinued or terminated to be included in the lot area for such development or enlargement;
- notwithstanding the applicable district regulations, certain uses may be located beneath a portion of a permanent platform, including a platform street as follows:
- any use accessory to a primary use located on the zoning lot;
- a public parking garage or public parking lot provided the findings set forth in Section 74-194 and hereby made applicable, are met for such garage or lot;
- a railroad passenger station (pursuant to Section 74-149) or a railroad including right-of-way, freight terminal, yard or appurtenance, or a facility or service used or required in railroad operations;
- a public transit yard, vehicle storage, warehouse, trucking terminal or motor freight station (without limitation on lot area per establishment).
- As a condition for granting a special permit, the Commission shall find that:
- the streets providing access to all uses pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section are adequate to handle traffic resulting therefrom;
- the distribution of floor area and the number of dwelling units or rooming units does not adversely affect the character of the surrounding area by being unduly concentrated in any portion of such development or enlargement, including any portion of the development or enlargement located beyond the boundaries of such railroad or transit right-of-way or yard;
- all uses, developments or enlargements located on the zoning lot or below a platform do not adversely affect one another;
- if such railroad or transit right-of-way or yard is deemed appropriate for future transportation use, the site plan and structural design of the development do not preclude future use of, or improvements to, the right-of-way for such transportation use.
- For any development or enlargement located within or over railroad or transit right-of-way or yard:
- the application to be filed with the Commission for special permit approval pursuant to this Section shall include a site plan showing:
- the total lot area of that portion of a railroad or transit right-of-way or yard to be covered by a platform; and/or
- the total lot area of such right-of-way or yard that has been permanently discontinued or terminated;
- ownership of rights to develop in railroad or transit air space or within a railroad or transit right-of-way or yard where such use has been permanently discontinued or terminated, shall meet the requirements of the zoning lot definition in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS);
- where the railroad or transit right-of-way or yard is to be covered over by a permanent platform, such platform shall be unperforated except for such suitably protected openings as may be required for utilities, ventilation, drainage or other necessary purposes;
- the Commission may establish an appropriate level or levels instead of curb level as the reference plane for the applicable regulations pertaining to, but not limited to, height and setback, floor area, lot coverage, open space, yards, and minimum distance between buildings;
- the Commission may permit buildings to be connected by a bridge or tunnel, within a portion of a street, provided that the street volume occupied by such bridge or tunnel is not mapped and owned by the City, and provided that such structure is used exclusively for pedestrian or vehicular circulation; however, in no event shall such a bridge or tunnel be considered as lot area or generate any floor area; and in the case of a bridge, the Commission shall find that such bridge will:
- provide adequate vertical clearance at all points measured from curb level to the soffit;
- not rest upon columns or other supports that intrude upon the street;
- provide illumination of at least five foot candles at the curb level for the street area beneath the bridge;
- not unduly obstruct any significant scenic view; and
- provide adequate light and air to the street or surrounding public spaces or streets.
- the application to be filed with the Commission for special permit approval pursuant to this Section shall include a site plan showing:
In the case of a tunnel, the Commission may permit buildings to be connected by a tunnel under a street, provided the Commission finds that the tunnel is used exclusively for vehicular circulation and is necessary to achieve improved vehicle circulation within the development and on adjoining streets.
- The Commission shall require the provision of adequate accessory off-street parking spaces and loading berths necessary to prevent the creation of traffic congestion caused by the curb parking of vehicles generated by any use permitted on the zoning lot, and shall determine the required number of parking spaces and loading berths in accordance with the purposes established in this Resolution with respect to other major traffic-generating facilities.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, and may require where the development or enlargement includes an active railroad or transit use, that the structural design of such development or enlargement make due allowance for changes within the layout of tracks or other structures within such railroad or transit air space or railroad or transit right-of-way or yard which may be deemed necessary in connection with future development or improvement of the transportation system.
Prior to granting a special permit, the Commission shall request the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Departments of Transportation of the State of New York and the City of New York to indicate within 30 days whether said agencies have any plan to use that portion of the railroad or transit air space or railroad or transit right-of-way or yard where the railroad or transit use has been permanently discontinued or terminated.
In R9 or R10 Districts when the air space above a street or portion thereof is closed, demapped and conveyed by the City to the owner of an adjoining zoning lot owned by a non-profit institution pursuant to State-enabling legislation enacted in 1971, the City Planning Commission may, by special permit, allow in such demapped air space, the development or enlargement of buildings which are an expansion of an existing hospital, college, university or functionally-related facility. In connection therewith, the Commission may also permit modification of off-street loading and bulk regulations, except floor area ratio regulations, under the applicable district regulation, provided that the requirements set forth in the 1973 Agreement among the City of New York, the Society of the New York Hospital, and the New York Society for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled, maintaining the Hospital for Special Surgery and the Rockefeller University are met; and that such demapped air space shall be considered as part of the adjoining zoning lot, except that any building located in demapped air space shall utilize only unused floor area from the portion of the adjoining zoning lot not within the demapped air space.
In order to grant such special permit, the Commission shall find:
(a) for development or enlargements in such demapped air space and for modification of bulk regulations, that the location and distribution of new bulk shall result in a good site plan in relation to the existing buildings on-site and in the area; and
(b) for modification of off-street loading requirements, when such non-profit institution includes more than one building on two or more zoning lots, the Commission may determine the required number of loading berths as if such non-profit institution were located on a single zoning lot, and may permit such loading berths to be located anywhere within such institution without regard for zoning lot lines, provided that such loading berths shall be:
(1) adequate to serve the requirements of the institution;
(2) accessible to all the uses in such institution without the need to cross any street at grade; and
(3) located so as not to adversely affect the movement of pedestrians or vehicles on the streets within or surrounding such institution.
The curb level of a zoning lot of which the demapped air space is a part shall not be affected by the closing and demapping of air space above such street. However, the Commission may establish an appropriate level or levels instead of curb level as the reference plane for the applicable regulations relating to open space, yards, level of yards, equivalent rear yards, rear yard setback, minimum distance between buildings, and the front height and setback.
The Commission may impose additional conditions and safeguards, consistent with the requirements set forth in the 1973 Agreement, to improve the quality of the development and minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
ADDITIONAL PERMITS
Landmark Preservation
In all districts, for zoning lots containing a landmark designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, or for zoning lots with existing buildings located within Historic Districts designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the City Planning Commission may permit modification of the use and bulk regulations, except floor area ratio regulations, provided that:
(a) The following conditions are met:
(1) any application pursuant to this Section shall include a report from the Landmarks Preservation Commission stating that a program has been established for continuing maintenance that will result in the preservation of the subject building or buildings, and that such use or bulk modifications, or restorative work required under the continuing maintenance program, contributes to a preservation purpose;
(2) any application pursuant to this Section shall include a Certificate of Appropriateness, other permit, or report from the Landmarks Preservation Commission stating that such bulk modifications relate harmoniously to the subject landmark building or buildings in the Historic District, as applicable; and
(3) the maximum number of dwelling units shall be as set forth in Section 15-111 (Number of permitted dwelling units).
(b) In order to grant a special permit, the City Planning Commission shall find that:
(1) such bulk modifications shall have minimal adverse effects on the structures or open space in the vicinity in terms of scale, location and access to light and air; and
(2) such use modifications shall have minimal adverse effects on the conforming uses within the building and in the surrounding area.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate additional conditions and safeguards which will enhance the character of the development and buildings on the zoning lot.
Within Historic Districts designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the City Planning Commission may grant a special permit, in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) In M1-5B Districts, on a zoning lot that, as of December 15, 2003, is vacant, is land with minor improvements, or has not more than 40 percent of the lot area occupied by existing buildings, the Commission may modify use regulations to permit residential development and, below the floor level of the second story of any development, uses permitted in Use Group VI, provided:
(1) the use modifications shall meet the following conditions, that:
(i) residential development complies with the requirements of Sections 23-47 (Minimum Required Rear Yards) and 23-86 (Minimum Distance Between Legally Required Windows and Walls or Lot Lines) pertaining to R8 Districts;
(ii) total floor area ratio on the zoning lot shall be limited to 5.0;
(iii) the minimum floor area of each dwelling unit permitted by this Section shall be 1,200 square feet;
(iv) all signs for residential or commercial uses permitted by this Section shall conform to the applicable regulations of Section 32-60 (SIGN REGULATIONS) pertaining to C2 Districts; and
(v) eating or drinking establishments of any size, as set forth in Use Group VI, are not permitted; and
(2) the Commission shall find that such use modifications:
(i) have minimal adverse effects on the conforming uses in the surrounding area;
(ii) are compatible with the character of the surrounding area; and
(iii) for modifications that permit residential use, result in a development that is compatible with the scale of the surrounding area.
(b) In all districts, the Commission may modify bulk regulations, except floor area ratio regulations, for any development on a zoning lot that is vacant or is land with minor improvements, and in M1-5B Districts, the Commission may make such modifications for zoning lots where not more than 40 percent of the lot area is occupied by existing buildings as of December 15, 2003, provided the Commission finds that such bulk modifications:
(1) shall not adversely affect structures or open space in the vicinity in terms of scale, location and access to light and air; and
(2) relate harmoniously to buildings in the Historic District as evidenced by a Certificate of Appropriateness or other permit from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The City Planning Commission may prescribe appropriate additional conditions and safeguards in order to enhance the character of the development and to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Bulk Modification
- In C4-7, C5-2, C5-3, C5-4, C6-1A, C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7 or M1-6 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modification of the height and setback regulations, including tower coverage controls, for developments or enlargements located on a zoning lot having a minimum lot area of 40,000 square feet or occupying an entire block.
In C5-3, C6-6 and C6-7 Districts on such zoning lots, and in C6-4 Districts as set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section, the Commission also may modify yard and court regulations, and regulations governing the minimum required distance between buildings and/or the minimum required distance between legally required windows and walls or lot lines, provided that the Commission finds that such modifications:- provide a better distribution of bulk on the zoning lot;
- result in a better relationship of the building to open areas, adjacent streets and surrounding development; and
- provide adequate light and air for buildings on the zoning lot and neither impair access to light and air to legally required windows in adjacent buildings nor adversely affect adjacent zoning lots by unduly restricting access to light and air to surrounding streets and properties.
As a condition of this special permit, if any open area extending along a side lot line is provided at any level, such open area shall be at least eight feet in width.
- In C5-3, C6-6 and C6-7 Districts, the Commission may modify height and setback and yard regulations, including tower coverage controls for developments or enlargements located on a zoning lot having an area less than 40,000 square feet, that occupies an entire block front on a wide street, subject to the following conditions:
- where buildings or portions thereof penetrate the established sky exposure plane, the aggregate area occupied by such buildings or portions thereof at such elevation shall not exceed:
- 55 percent of the area of such zoning lot; or
- an equivalent of 55 percent of the aggregate area of such zoning lot and any adjoining zoning lots with a common lot line for at least 90 feet with negative easements limiting height of existing and future developments on the adjoining zoning lots by recorded deed or other written instruments;
- that the development or enlargement includes on-site amenities, such as arcades, through block arcades or covered pedestrian spaces where the size and dimensions of such spaces are substantially greater than the required minimum standards, and includes skylights or other provisions for additional access of direct natural light so as to provide for an increased penetration of light and air therein at the street level of the development or enlargement, or a transit station improvement that results in a direct major connection to a subway station.
- In lieu of condition (c)(2), the development or enlargement may provide, in the same or an adjoining block of such development or enlargement, compensatory "off-site public open space." For the purposes of this paragraph, (c)(3), the term "adjoining block" shall mean a block that is contiguous to the block containing the development or enlargement but for its separation by a street or street intersection. The area of such off-site public open space shall be at least 4,000 square feet, or 15 percent of the lot area of a zoning lot containing the development or enlargement, whichever is more, and a width of at least 40 feet at any point.
Such public open areas shall have a southern exposure, and adjoin a public sidewalk and be developed pursuant to the provisions of Section 37-70 (PUBLIC PLAZAS). A plan for the development and maintenance of such off-site public space shall be approved by the Commission. The off-site public area shall be kept open to the general public in accordance with a time schedule specified by the Commission. In no event shall such off-site public open space be eligible for floor area or bonus computation in connection with this or any other development or enlargement.
For such developments or enlargements, the Commission may also modify the applicable regulations of Sections 32-51 (Limitations on Business Entrances, Show Windows or Signs) and 36-683 (Restrictions on location of berths near Residence Districts) where adjoining frontage within a distance of 75 feet on the same side of the street is occupied by a community facility or ground floor commercial use, provided that such modification is part of an overall design for show windows, signage and entrances or off-street loading berths developed in conjunction with a public amenity such as a public plaza, through block arcade or covered pedestrian space, and will not alter the essential character of the immediate neighborhood.
In the case of existing buildings containing residences to remain temporarily on such zoning lot, the provisions of Sections 23-70 (MINIMUM REQUIRED DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE BUILDINGS ON A SINGLE ZONING LOT) and 23-80 (COURT REGULATIONS, MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN WINDOWS AND WALLS OR LOT LINES AND OPEN AREA REQUIREMENTS) may be modified provided that each and every one of the following conditions are met:- that such existing buildings with unexpired leasehold interests are located upon such zoning lot;
- that the portions of the zoning lot where such existing buildings are located and are to be demolished shall be redeveloped according to the approved site plan;
- that no temporary or final certificate of occupancy shall be issued for that portion of floor area in the development or enlargement equal to twice the floor area in the temporary existing buildings until such buildings are vacated, demolished and their sites are redeveloped in accordance with the approved project plan, except that where the Commission shall have determined that the applicant for a special permit has made an offer to purchase the leasehold interests from the lessees at a fair market value of the remainder of the lease term, the Commission may decrease the amount of floor area for which no certificate of occupancy may be issued; and
- that the development or enlargement conform with all the applicable laws relating to construction, operation and maintenance.
The owner of the zoning lot shall have prominently displayed thereon a sign stating the date by which the buildings are to be demolished.
- As a further condition for the issuance of a permit under this paragraph (c), the owner of the zoning lot upon which developments or enlargements are to take place, must post a bond or other security payable to the City of New York and approved by the Corporation Counsel as to form, sufficient in amount as determined by the Commission to cover the cost of demolishing the existing buildings should the owner fail to so demolish within the prescribed time set forth in the approved project plan, and ensure that all floor area which is to be vacant in the development shall remain unfinished and vacant.
The bonds or other securities shall be payable to the City of New York if any of the above conditions are violated.
The Commission must find, with each grant for a special permit under this paragraph, (c), that the development or enlargement:- shall result in improved circulation; and
- would eliminate the undesirable pre-emption of ground level space by private buildings or other structures.
In making these findings, the Commission may consider the provision of improved connections to rapid transit facilities, where applicable.
The site plan accompanying each application for a grant of special permit under this paragraph (c), shall include a schedule indicating the timetable of demolition of all existing buildings and the schedule of development or enlargement and other improvements on the zoning lot.
- where buildings or portions thereof penetrate the established sky exposure plane, the aggregate area occupied by such buildings or portions thereof at such elevation shall not exceed:
In addition to the conditions in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3) and (c)(4) of this Section, the Commission shall find that the modification of height and setback will provide a better distribution of bulk on the zoning lot and will not adversely affect other adjacent zoning lots by unduly restricting access to light and air to surrounding public spaces, streets and properties.
- Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Zoning Resolution, where a development shares a lot line with a landmark building site for an aggregate distance of at least 90 feet, or contains a historically significant street that has been demapped and an archeologically significant site, both of which have been identified by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Commission may permit modification of the height and setback and yard regulations regardless of the lot size, provided that the following findings are made:
- there is a harmonious architectural relationship between the landmark and the new structure, and such relationship is approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission or, in the case of a development which contains a historically significant street that has been demapped and an archeologically significant site, there is a visual recognition of the location of the demapped street and of the archeologically significant site created by a design treatment that has been approved by both the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the City Planning Commission and, if such development is located within 200 feet of a historic district, there is a harmonious relationship between the proposed development and the historic district; and
- pedestrian amenities are contained in the new structure including, where appropriate, retail stores and substantial pedestrian space at the principal levels of circulation, such as wider sidewalks, arcades, covered pedestrian space, subsurface concourses and convenient subway connections.
- The City Planning Commission may also permit modification of all bulk regulations as set forth in paragraph (a) of this Section on zoning lots with a minimum lot area of 30,000 square feet, where such zoning lot is located in a C6-4 District in Manhattan Community District 3, has frontage on a wide street and existed on August 8, 2018.
For large-scale general developments involving several zoning lots but planned as a unit, the district regulations may impose unnecessary rigidities and thereby prevent achievement of the best possible site plan within the overall density and bulk controls. The regulations of this Section are designed to allow greater flexibility for the purpose of securing better site planning, while safeguarding the present or future use and development of the surrounding area.
No portion of a large-scale general development shall contain:
(a) any use not permitted by the applicable district regulations for such portion, except as otherwise provided in Section 74-744 (Modification of use regulations). When an existing building in a large-scale general development is occupied by a non-conforming use, any enlargement of such existing building shall be subject to the requirements set forth in Section 52-00 (DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS);
(b) any zoning lot, or portion thereof, that is part of a large-scale residential development or large-scale community facility development.
Requirements for application
An application to the City Planning Commission for the grant of a special permit pursuant to Section 74-74 for a large-scale general development shall include a site plan showing the boundaries of the large-scale general development and the proposed location and use of all buildings or other structures on each zoning lot comprising the large-scale general development.
However, for applications proceeding pursuant to the ownership provisions of paragraph (e) of Section 74-742, such site plan need only show the applicable portion of the large-scale general development as set forth in paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of Section 74-742.
Ownership
Except as otherwise provided in this Section, any large-scale general development for which application is made for a special permit in accordance with the provisions of Section 74-74 (Large- scale General Development) shall be on a tract of land which at the time of application is all under the control of the applicant(s) as the owner(s) or holder(s) of a written option to purchase. No special permit shall be granted unless the applicant(s) acquired actual ownership (single fee ownership or alternate ownership arrangements according to the zoning lot definition in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS) for all zoning lots comprising the large-scale general development) of, or executed a binding sales contract for, all of the property comprising such tract.
When a large-scale general development is located within a designated urban renewal area, the City's urban renewal agency, or a person authorized by such agency, may apply for and be granted a special permit under the provisions of Section 74-74 even though such large-scale general development does not meet the ownership requirements set forth elsewhere in this Section. All parcels comprising such large-scale general development shall be within the designated urban renewal area and subject to the urban renewal controls set forth in the approved urban renewal plan.
A special permit may be applied for and granted under the provisions of Section 74-74, even though such large-scale general development does not meet the ownership requirements set forth elsewhere in this Section, when the site of such large-scale general development is:
(a) to be developed or enlarged through assemblage by any other governmental agency, or its agent, having the power of condemnation; or
(b) owned by the Federal government and is within Brooklyn Community District 2; or
(c) partially under City ownership, within the former Washington Square Southeast Urban Renewal Area, within Community District 2 in the Borough of Manhattan, provided that the exception to the ownership requirements set forth herein shall apply only to tracts of land in City ownership; or
(d) partially under State or City ownership, or may include a tract of land under private ownership that is located within the bed of 26th Avenue between 1st Street and the bulkhead line within the Halletts Point Peninsula, in the area bounded by 8th Street and Vernon Boulevard on the east, the East River on the west and south, and the north side of 26th Avenue on the north, in Community District 1 in the Borough of Queens, provided that the exception to the ownership requirements set forth herein shall apply only to:
(1) tracts of land in State or City ownership; or
(2) a tract of land in private ownership located within the bed of 26th Avenue, between 1st Street and the bulkhead line;
(e) within Manhattan Community District 2, where the City Planning Commission has approved a special permit under Section 74-74 for a large-scale general development located partially within a C2-7 District, and a portion of such large-scale general development is subsequently mapped as a park and transferred to City ownership, then the consent or authorization of any owner or party in interest to:
(1) such public park shall not be required for any application for a modification to the special permit or associated restrictive declaration relating only to property within the large-scale general development other than the public park; and
(2) property other than the public park shall not be required for any application for a modification to the special permit or associated restrictive declaration relating only to the public park; or
(f) partially under State or City ownership, and is located within the boundaries of Community District 1 in the Borough of Brooklyn, on a waterfront zoning lot located within a C6-2 District that is mapped within a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area, provided that the exception to the ownership requirements set forth herein shall apply only to tracts of land in State or City ownership.
However, the consent or authorization of the owners and any party in interest to the other property shall be required if the proposed modification would impose an additional obligation or increase the degree of an obligation existing as of the date of the application for the modification on any such owner or any such party in interest.
(a) For a large-scale general development, the City Planning Commission may permit:
(1) distribution of total allowable floor area, rooming units, dwelling units, lot coverage and total required open space under the applicable district regulations within a large-scale general development without regard for zoning lot lines or district boundaries, subject to the following limitations:
(i) no distribution of bulk across the boundary of two districts shall be permitted for a use utilizing such bulk unless such use is permitted in both districts;
(ii) when a large-scale general development is located partially in a Residence District or in a C1, C2, C3 or C4-1 District and partially in other Commercial or Manufacturing Districts, no transfer of commercial floor area to a Residence District or to a C1, C2, C3 or C4-1 District from other districts shall be permitted, except that for a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, a transfer of commercial floor area from a C6 District to a C2 District may be permitted;
(2) location of buildings without regard for the applicable yard, court, distance between buildings, or height and setback regulations;
(3) variation in the location of primary business entrances and show windows along frontages adjacent to zoning lots outside the large-scale general development without regard to regulations applicable near Residence District boundaries;
(4) the maximum floor area ratio permitted pursuant to Section 23-151 (Basic regulations for R6 through R9 Districts) for the applicable district without regard for height factor or open space ratio requirements, provided that the large-scale general development is located partially in a C6-1, C6-2 or C6-3 District within the boundaries of Community Districts 2 or 7 in Manhattan or located within a C4-4 District within the boundaries of Queens Community District 7 and that a minimum of 50 percent of the required open space is provided within the large-scale general development. Required open space for the purposes of this paragraph (a)(4) shall be calculated by utilizing the smallest open space ratio at the maximum floor area ratio, pursuant to Section 23-151 for the applicable district;
(5) in an Inclusionary Housing designated area in a C4-6 or C5 District:
(i) a portion of the lot area that contains a wholly commercial building to be excluded from the calculation of floor area for any other buildings on the remainder of the zoning lot; or
(ii) community facility floor area located above the ground floor to be excluded from the calculation of the amount of affordable housing required pursuant to Section 23-95;
(6) modification of the requirements of Section 23-86 (Minimum Distance Between Legally Required Windows and Walls or Lot Lines) for developments or enlargements, where:
(i) the required minimum distance as set forth in Section 23-86 is provided between the legally required window in the development or enlargement and a wall or lot line on an abutting property; and
(ii) the required minimum distance is provided by a light and air easement acceptable to the Department of City Planning and recorded in the County Clerk’s office in the county in which such tracts of land are located;
(7) modification of the definition of outer court in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS) and the provisions of Section 23-84 (Outer Court Regulations) to include any open area that is bounded on all sides but one by building walls and is not otherwise a yard or an inner court, provided that:
(i) such modifications are permitted only for large-scale general developments, previously approved by the Commission, in a C4-7 District within the boundaries of Manhattan Community District 7; and
(ii) the minimum distance between a legally required window facing onto such outer court and a building wall shall be 30 feet, measured in a horizontal plane at the sill level of, and perpendicular to, such window for the full width of the rough window opening;
(8) in an Inclusionary Housing designated area in a C4-7 District within the boundaries of Manhattan Community District 7, for the purpose of applying the Inclusionary Housing Program within such Inclusionary Housing designated area, as set forth in a restrictive declaration:
(i) modification of the base and maximum floor area ratios specified in Section 23-154 (Inclusionary Housing), not to exceed the maximum floor area ratios permitted by the underlying district, based on a proportionality between affordable floor area, as defined in Section 23-911, and residential floor area in buildings containing multiple uses; and
(ii) modification of the requirements regarding distribution of affordable housing units, as defined in Section 23-911, specified in paragraph (b) of Section 23-96 (Requirements for Generating Sites or MIH Sites);
(9) within the boundaries of Community District 3 in the Borough of the Bronx, portions of any building, at any level, that contain permitted or required accessory off-street parking spaces, to be excluded from the calculation of lot coverage;
(10) for a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, waiver of the planting requirements of Section 23-892 (In R6 through R10 Districts), provided the area between the street line and the street walls of the building and their prolongations is to be improved as a publicly accessible widened sidewalk;
(11) wholly within a C1-9 District entirely within the boundaries of Community District 8 in Manhattan, for a predominantly community facility development, a floor area bonus not to exceed 20 percent of the maximum floor area ratio permitted by the underlying district regulations where, in connection with such development, an improvement to a public park located within the same Community District and within a one mile radius of the proposed development is provided in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(i) A request for such bonus floor area shall be accompanied by:
(a) a site plan for a public park improvement, transmitted by the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, sufficient in detail and scope with respect to the work necessary to complete such public park improvement, to enable the City Planning Commission to determine the appropriate amount of bonus floor area to be granted to the development; and
(b) a letter from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation stating:
(i) the selection of the public park for the public park improvement has been informed by community input in the form of consultation or an existing plan;
(ii) such public park improvement provides an appropriate amenity for the surrounding area; and
(iii) that, absent funding to be provided by the applicant, such public park improvement is unlikely to be made in the foreseeable future.
(ii) Prior to a determination as to whether to grant the special permit, the City Planning Commission shall have received from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation:
(a) any revisions to the site plan for the public park improvement or a statement that the site plan provided in the application is unchanged; and
(b) a letter that shall include:
(i) cost estimates for the public park improvement; and
(ii) a statement that the funding to be provided by the applicant, in combination with any other available funding, is adequate for completion of the necessary infrastructure, landscape and other work necessary to complete the public park improvement;
(12) within the boundaries of Community District 1 in the Borough of Queens, in the area generally north of 30th Road and west of 8th Street, within the Hallets Point Peninsula, the floor area distribution from a zoning lot containing existing public housing buildings, provided that upon approval of a large-scale general development there exists unused floor area on a separate parcel of land with existing light industrial buildings in an amount equivalent to, or in excess of, the floor area approved for distribution and further provided:
(i) such parcel shall be made part of such zoning lot upon approval of such large-scale general development, pursuant to the definition of zoning lot in Section 12-10, paragraph (d); and
(ii) the existing light industrial buildings on the separate parcel of land are demolished; or
(13) within the boundaries of Community District 1 in the Borough of Brooklyn, on a waterfront zoning lot located within a C6-2 District that is mapped within a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area, portions of the land, piers or platforms projecting seaward of the bulkhead line and existing on December 15, 2021, may be replaced or reconstructed with new piers or new platforms, as follows:
(i) any such existing land projecting seaward of the bulkhead line may be replaced or reconstructed with new platforms and such new platforms may be included as part of the upland lot. In no event shall the lot area generated by such new platforms exceed the lot area of the land projecting seaward of the bulkhead line, as it existed on December 15, 2021;
(ii) any other such new piers or new platforms may be considered lot area for the purposes of determining allowable floor area or number of dwelling units, or to satisfy any other bulk regulations, in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 62-31 (Bulk Computations on Waterfront Zoning Lots). In no event shall the floor area generated by such new piers or new platforms exceed the floor area generated by piers or platforms projecting seaward of the bulkhead line, as they existed on December 15, 2021; and
(iii) any new piers or new platforms that are subject to the provisions of this paragraph (a)(13) need not meet the requirements of Sections 62-242 (Uses on new piers and platforms), 62-54 (Requirements for Public Access on Piers) or 62-63 (Design Requirements for Public Access on Piers and Floating Structures), inclusive.
(b) In order to grant a special permit pursuant to this Section for any large-scale general development, the Commission shall find that:
(1) the distribution of floor area, open space, dwelling units, rooming units and the location of buildings, primary business entrances and show windows will result in a better site plan and a better relationship among buildings and open areas to adjacent streets, surrounding development, adjacent open areas and shorelines than would be possible without such distribution and will thus benefit both the occupants of the large-scale general development, the neighborhood and the City as a whole;
(2) the distribution of floor area and location of buildings will not unduly increase the bulk of buildings in any one block or unduly obstruct access of light and air to the detriment of the occupants or users of buildings in the block or nearby blocks or of people using the public streets;
(3) where a zoning lot of a large-scale general development does not occupy a frontage on a mapped street, appropriate access to a mapped street is provided;
(4) considering the size of the proposed large-scale general development, the streets providing access to such large-scale general development will be adequate to handle traffic resulting therefrom;
(5) when the Commission has determined that the large-scale general development requires significant addition to existing public facilities serving the area, the applicant has submitted to the Commission a plan and timetable to provide such required additional facilities. Proposed facilities that are incorporated into the City's capital budget may be included as part of such plan and timetable;
(6) where the Commission permits the maximum floor area ratio in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(4) of this Section, the open space provided is of sufficient size to serve the residents of new or enlarged buildings. Such open space shall be accessible to and usable by all residents of such new or enlarged buildings, have appropriate access, circulation, seating, lighting and paving, and be substantially landscaped. Furthermore, the site plan of such large-scale general development shall include superior landscaping for open space of the new or enlarged buildings;
(7) where the Commission permits the exclusion of lot area or floor area in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(5) of this Section or modification of the base and maximum floor area ratios or requirements regarding distribution of affordable housing units in accordance with paragraph (a)(8) of this Section, such modification will facilitate a desirable mix of uses in the large-scale general development and a plan consistent with the objectives of the Inclusionary Housing Program and those of Section 74-74 (Large-scale General Development) with respect to better site planning;
(8) where the Commission permits portions of buildings containing accessory parking spaces to be excluded from the calculation of lot coverage in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(9) of this Section, the exclusion of lot coverage will result in a better site plan and a better relationship among buildings and open areas than would be possible without such exclusion and therefore will benefit the residents of the large-scale general development;
(9) where the Commission permits a floor area bonus for a public park improvement in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(11) of this Section:
(i) the amount of such bonus floor area is appropriate in relation to the size and quality of the proposed public park improvement; and
(ii) such bonus floor area will not unduly increase the bulk of buildings on the zoning lot or unduly obstruct access of light and air to the detriment of the occupants or users of buildings on the block or nearby blocks or of people using the public streets.
Grant of a floor area bonus for a public park improvement in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(11) of this Section shall be conditioned upon adequate assurances for provision of the funding identified by the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation in a letter pursuant to paragraph (a)(11)(ii) of this Section as necessary for completion of the necessary infrastructure, landscape and other work for the public park improvement. The Commissioner of Buildings shall not issue a building permit for the large-scale general development unless the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation shall have certified that the funding has been made or secured in a manner acceptable to such Commissioner;
(10) a declaration with regard to ownership requirements in paragraph (b) of the large-scale general development definition in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS) has been filed with the Commission;
(11) where the Commission permits floor area distribution from a zoning lot containing existing light industrial buildings to be demolished in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(12) of this Section, such floor area distribution shall contribute to better site planning of the waterfront public access area and shall facilitate the development of affordable housing units within a large-scale general development; and
(12) where new piers or new platforms are constructed, replaced or reconstructed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(13) of this Section, such new piers and new platforms are an integral part of such large-scale general development, result in a superior site plan and form an appropriate relationship with adjacent waterfront public access areas and shorelines, and provide significant public access to or within the seaward lot portion of the waterfront zoning lot.
Within Manhattan Community District 2, within the former Washington Square Southeast Urban Renewal Area, where the Commission has approved a large-scale general development and a lot line of such large-scale general development coincides with the boundary of a mapped public park, such lot line shall be considered to be a street line of a wide street for the purposes of applying all use and bulk regulations of this Resolution.
In addition, within Manhattan Community District 2, where the Commission has approved a large-scale general development located partially within a C2-7 District, if any open space approved pursuant to paragraph (a)(4) of Section 74-743 is subsequently mapped as a park and transferred to City ownership, the open space requirement approved for such large-scale general development pursuant to paragraph (a)(4) of Section 74-743 shall be reduced by the area of such public park.
Within Community District 1 in the Borough of Queens, the Commission may prescribe additional conditions to ensure that the purpose of the Inclusionary Housing program as set forth in Section 23-92 (General Provisions) is achieved in a large-scale general development. The Commission may establish procedures resulting in limiting the amount of affordable floor area utilizing public funding that may count toward satisfying the affordable floor area required in paragraph (c)(2) of Section 23-154. Any such procedures established by the Commission shall be set forth in the restrictive declaration required in connection with the grant of a special permit for such large-scale general development.
For a phased construction program of a multi-building complex, the Commission may, at the time of granting a special permit, require additional information, including but not limited to a proposed time schedule for carrying out the proposed large-scale general development, a phasing plan showing the distribution of bulk and open space and, in the case of a site plan providing for common open space, common open areas or common parking areas, a maintenance plan for such space or areas and surety for continued availability of such space or areas to the people they are intended to serve.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to improve the quality of the large-scale general development and to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
- Use modifications
- Automotive sales and service uses
For large-scale general developments, previously approved by the Commission, in a C4-7 District within the boundaries of Manhattan Community District 7, Commission may modify applicable district regulations to allow automotive sales and service establishments that include repair services and preparation for delivery, provided the Commission shall find that:- the portion of the establishment used for the servicing and preparation of automobiles is located entirely in a cellar level and below grade or established curb level, and the ground floor level of such establishment is used only for showrooms and sales;
- sufficient indoor space for storage of vehicles for sale or service has been provided; and
- such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic or adversely affect pedestrian movement.
- Retail establishments
For a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, the Commission may modify applicable district regulations to allow uses listed under Use Groups VI, VIII or X that would be permitted in a C6 District, except for arenas or auditoriums, trade expositions and stadiums, provided the Commission finds that:- such uses will not impair the character of future uses or development of the surrounding area; and
- the streets providing access to such uses will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby.
- Automotive sales and service uses
- Modifications of sign regulations
- In all Commercial or Manufacturing Districts, the Commission may, for developments or enlargements subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(3) of Section 74-743 (Special provisions for bulk modification), permit the modification of the applicable provisions of Sections 32-64 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), 32-65 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), 32-66 (Additional Regulations for Signs Near Certain Parks and Designated Arterial Highways), 42-53 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), 42-54 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), 42-55 (Additional Regulations for Signs Near Certain Parks and Designated Arterial Highways) and the limitations on the location of signs in Sections 32-51 and 42-44 (Limitations on Business Entrances, Show Windows or Signs), provided the Commission finds that such modification will result in a better site plan.
- For a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, the Commission, by authorization, may make the sign regulations of a C6-1 District applicable to those portions of such large-scale general development within a C2 District, and in addition, may modify the provisions of Section 32-68 (Permitted Signs on Residential or Mixed Buildings) to allow signs accessory to non-residential uses above the level of the finished floor of the third story, provided such signs do not exceed a height of 40 feet above curb level. In order to grant such authorizations, the Commission shall find that such modifications are consistent with the amount, type and location of commercial uses that the Commission finds appropriate within such large-scale general development.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the development.
For a large-scale general development the City Planning Commission may permit:
- Modification of location requirements
When a large-scale general development includes two or more zoning lots, the Commission may permit required or permitted accessory off-street parking spaces, bicycle parking spaces or loading berths to be located anywhere within a large-scale general development without regard for zoning lot lines, provided that the Commission shall find:- such off-street parking spaces, bicycle parking spaces and loading berths will be conveniently located in relation to the use to which such spaces or berths are accessory;
- such location of off-street parking spaces, bicycle parking spaces and loading berths will result in a better site plan; and
- such location of off-street parking spaces, bicycle parking spaces and loading berths will not unduly increase the number of spaces in any single block, draw excessive traffic through local streets, or otherwise adversely affect traffic conditions in the surrounding area.
Whenever required off-street parking spaces, bicycle parking spaces and loading berths are permitted to be located without regard for zoning lot lines in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the number of spaces required for each building shall be kept available for such building throughout its life.
- Waiver or reduction of loading berth requirements
For zoning lots in a large-scale general development, located either within a Special Mixed Use District in Community District 2 in the Borough of The Bronx, or within a waterfront area pursuant to paragraph (b) of Section 62-132, in Community District 1 in the Borough of Brooklyn, where such zoning lots in the waterfront area contain one or more retail or service uses listed in Use Group VI, and where no single such establishment in the waterfront area exceeds 8,500 square feet in floor area, or for zoning lots located in large-scale general developments within Special Mixed Use District 24 in Community District 1 in the Borough of Queens, the Commission may waive or reduce the number of required loading berths, provided that:- curbside deliveries will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion or unduly inhibit vehicular or pedestrian movement and will not interfere with the efficient functioning of nearby uses;
- an efficient goods receiving system will be implemented within the commercial establishment to expedite the movement of goods from the curb to areas within the establishment;
- such modification allows for a better relationship between the street walls of the building containing such establishment and the adjacent sidewalk and surrounding area; and
- such modification will not impair or adversely affect the development of the surrounding area.
- Reduction of parking requirements
For buildings on zoning lots in a large-scale general development, within R7-2 Districts in Community District 1 in the Borough of the Bronx, that contain an affordable independent residence for seniors, the Commission may waive or reduce the number of required accessory off-street parking spaces, including any spaces previously required for an existing building, provided that the Commission finds that:- the anticipated automobile ownership patterns for residents of such affordable independent residence for seniors are minimal and that such waiver or reduction is warranted;
- such waiver or reduction of parking spaces will not have undue adverse impacts on the residents, businesses or community facilities in the surrounding area; and
- such waiver or reduction of parking spaces will result in a better site plan with better quality open areas.
In determining the amount of parking spaces to waive or reduce, the Commission may take into account current automobile ownership patterns for an existing affordable independent residence for seniors on the zoning lot, as applicable.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the surrounding area.
Within a large-scale general development, when the volume above a street, or portion thereof, has been eliminated, discontinued and closed, the City Planning Commission may permit such volume to be considered part of an adjoining zoning lot and may allow, within such volume, a development or enlargement that is part of a building or buildings in the large-scale general development. In no event shall such volume contribute to the amount of lot area counted for the purposes of qualifying as a large-scale general development or generating any floor area.
(a) The following conditions must be met for the development or enlargement to be permitted in such volume:
(1) a satisfactory ventilation plan consistent with the requirements of New York City's Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection is provided for the street below the volume;
(2) an illumination of at least five foot candles at the curb level is provided for the street below the volume; and
(b) In order to grant the special permit, the Commission shall find that the development or enlargement in such volume:
(1) is functionally necessary or will improve the internal circulation within the large-scale general development, or will improve vehicular or pedestrian circulation on adjacent streets;
(2) will not adversely impact the continued use of the street;
(3) will not have an adverse impact on the essential character or future use or development of the adjacent area; and
(4) will not unduly obstruct any significant scenic view.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Any development or enlargement granted a special permit by the City Planning Commission under previous Section 74-74 (Commercial Development Extending into More than One Block) prior to February 22, 1990, may be started or continued pursuant to that special permit.
The Commission may administratively, upon application, allow modifications of the special permit granted under previous Section 74-74 (Commercial Development Extending into More than One Block) before February 22, 1990.
In no event may the Commission grant a modification of a special permit approved prior to February 22, 1990, that would require additional bulk distribution among zoning lots or modification of the height and lot coverage limitations previously established. Any modifications exceeding the limitations set forth herein shall be subject to the provisions of the new Section 74-74 (Large-scale General Development).
No existing publicly accessible open area or other public amenity for which a floor area bonus or any increase in tower coverage above 40 percent of the lot area of the zoning lot has been received under previous Section 74-74 (Commercial Development Extending into More than One Block) prior to February 22, 1990, shall be eliminated or reduced in size except by special permit of the Commission pursuant to a finding that a proposed change will provide a greater public benefit in the light of the public amenity's purpose.
Any sign shown on a site plan incorporated as part of a special permit of the Commission under the provisions of Section 74-74 (Large-scale General Development) prior to February 27, 2001, may be erected and maintained in accordance with such special permit.
In R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 or R10 Districts, in C1 or C2 Districts mapped within such Residence Districts, or in C1-6, C1-7, C1-8, C1-9, C2-6, C2-7, C2-8, C4, C5, C6 or C7 Districts, for combined school and residences including air rights over schools built on a zoning lot owned by the New York City Educational Construction Fund, the City Planning Commission may permit utilization of air rights; modify the requirements that open area be accessible to and usable by all persons occupying a dwelling unit or rooming unit on the zoning lot in order to qualify as open space; permit ownership, control of access and maintenance of portions of the open space to be vested in the New York City Educational Construction Fund or City agency successor in title; permit modification of yard regulations and height and setback regulations; permit the distribution of lot coverage without regard for zoning lot lines for a zoning lot containing the Co-op Tech High School in Manhattan Community District 11; authorize the total floor area, open space, dwelling units or rooming units permitted by the applicable district regulations on such site to be distributed without regard for district boundaries; and authorize an increase of 25 percent in the number of dwelling units or rooming units permissible under the applicable district regulations. For the purposes of this Section, a zoning lot owned by the New York City Educational Construction Fund may also include a tract of land under single fee ownership or alternate ownership arrangements according to the zoning lot definition in Section 12-10, when such tract of land includes a parcel which was the site of a public school listed in the following table.
School | Community District |
P.S. 151 | CD 8, Manhattan |
The total number of dwelling units or rooming units and residential floor area shall not exceed that permissible for a residential building on the same zoning lot.
The distribution of bulk on the zoning lot shall permit adequate access of light and air to the surrounding streets and properties.
As further conditions for such modifications:
(a) the school and the residence shall be developed as a unit in accordance with a plan approved by the Commission;
(b) at least 25 percent of the total open space required by the applicable district regulations, or such greater percentage as may be determined by the Commission to be the appropriate minimum percentage, shall be accessible exclusively to the occupants of such residence and under the direct control of its management;
(c) notwithstanding the provisions of Section 23-12 (Permitted Obstructions in Open Space), none of the required open space shall include driveways, private streets, open accessory off-street parking spaces or open accessory off-street loading berths; and
(d) the Commission shall find that:
(1) a substantial portion of the open space which is not accessible exclusively to the occupants of such residence will be accessible and usable by them on satisfactory terms part-time;
(2) playgrounds, if any, provided in conjunction with the school will be so designed and sited in relation to the residence as to minimize any adverse effects of noise; and
(3) all open space will be arranged in such a way as to minimize friction among those using open space of the buildings or other structures on the zoning lot.
The Commission shall give due consideration to the landscape design of the open space areas. The Commission shall also give due consideration to the relationship of the development to the open space needs of the surrounding area and may require the provision of a greater amount of total open space than the minimum amount required by the applicable district regulation where appropriate for the purpose of achieving the open space objectives of the Residence District regulations.
The Commission may prescribe other appropriate conditions and safeguards to enhance the character of the surrounding area.
In C6-9 Districts within the Special Downtown Brooklyn District, for developments, enlargements or conversions that include one or more schools on a tract of land owned by the New York City Educational Construction Fund, the City Planning Commission may permit the modifications set forth in paragraph (a) of this Section. For the purposes of this Section, a tract of land owned by the New York City Educational Construction Fund may also include a tract of land under single fee ownership or alternate ownership arrangements according to the zoning lot definition in Section 12-10, when such tract of land includes a parcel which was the site of a public school.
(a) Modifications
The Commission may modify:
- applicable ground floor use regulations;
- in a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area, the affordable housing requirements of paragraph (d) of Section 23-154 (Inclusionary Housing);
- other bulk regulations, except that the maximum permitted floor area ratio may not be increased; and
- accessory off-street parking and loading berth requirements.
(b) Findings
To grant a special permit pursuant to this Section, the Commission shall find that:
(1) such modifications will facilitate the construction of one or more schools on the zoning lot;
(2) such ground floor use modifications will improve the layout and design of the school or schools, shall not have an adverse effect on the uses located within any portion of the zoning lot and will not impair the essential character of the surrounding area;
(3) such modifications to the affordable housing requirements in a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area will facilitate significant public infrastructure or public facilities, including one or more schools, addressing needs that are not created by the proposed development, enlargement or conversion;
(4) such bulk modifications will result in a better site plan for the school or schools and will have minimal adverse effects on the surrounding area;
(5) such parking and loading modifications will improve the layout and design of the school and will not create serious traffic congestion or unduly inhibit vehicular or pedestrian movement and will not impair or adversely affect the development of the surrounding area.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Plazas
In all districts, the City Planning Commission may, by special permit, allow the elimination or reduction in size of any existing publicly accessible open area, arcade or other public amenity, open or enclosed, for which a floor area bonus has been utilized, provided that such reduction or elimination shall not create a floor area non-compliance on the zoning lot.
In granting such special permit, the Commission shall find that:
(a) such elimination or reduction is adequately compensated by the substitution of another public amenity or improvement on the zoning lot that shall provide equal or increased public benefit; and
(b) for publicly accessible open areas any remaining bonused open area will comply to the maximum extent feasible with the standards of public plazas as set forth in Section 37-70.
However, the Commission may waive the provisions of paragraph (b) of this Section if it finds that such standards for public plazas would compromise the design integrity of the publicly accessible open area or would result in the loss of significant design elements or character that are integral components of the publicly accessible open area’s design.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions to enhance the relationship of public open areas, buildings or other amenities on the zoning lot, to the surrounding areas.
Artists’ Centers
In C6-1, C6-2, C6-3 or C6-4 Districts, for alterations or additions to existing buildings, to be occupied as living and working quarters by artists engaged in the visual or performing arts, with or without related community studio space, the City Planning Commission may permit residential and non-residential uses to be arranged within the building without regard for the regulations set forth in Section 32-42 (Location Within Buildings). For alterations of such buildings but not for additions, the Commission may permit modifications of the regulations set forth in Sections 23-81 to 23-87, inclusive, relating to Court Regulations and Minimum Distance between Windows or Walls or Lot Lines and may permit modification of the requirements set forth in Sections 23-40 to 23-47, inclusive, relating to rear and side yard regulations.
As a condition precedent to the grant of such special permit, the Commission shall make the following findings:
(a) that the location, design and construction of such building particularly suit it to use as an artists' center, and that full realization of these advantages requires modification of the regulations controlling arrangement of residential and non-residential uses within the building, or modification of the court regulations or the required distance between legally required windows and existing walls or lot lines, or modification of the rear and side yard requirements; and
(b) that an organization has been established for assuring that the dwelling units will be occupied by persons who qualify as artists.
For the purposes of this Section, non-commercial studio space for use in common by artists residing in the building may be classified as a community facility use.
In M1-5B Districts, the City Planning Commission may, after public notice and hearing and subject to Board of Estimate approval, permit modification of paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4) and (b) of Section 42-325, provided that the Commission finds that the owner of the space, or a predecessor in title, has made a good faith effort to rent such space to a mandated use at fair market rentals. Such efforts shall include but not be limited to: advertising in local and citywide press, listing the space with brokers and informing local and citywide industry groups. Such efforts shall have been actively pursued for a period of no less than six months for buildings under 3,600 square feet and one year for buildings over 3,600 square feet, prior to the date of the application for a special permit.
In C6-1G, C6-2G, C6-2M, C6-4M, M1-5M and M1-6M Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modification of the requirements of paragraph (d) of Section 15-021 or Section 15-21, and in M1-5B Districts, the Commission may permit modification of the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of Section 42-325, provided that the Commission finds that:
(a) the conversion will not harm the industrial sector of the City's economy;
(b) the applicant for the special permit or a predecessor in title, has made a good faith effort to rent such space to a mandated use at fair market rentals. Such effort shall have been actively pursued for a minimum of one year immediately preceding the application. A good faith effort shall include, but not be limited to, advertising in local and citywide press, listing the space with brokers doing business in the industrial real estate market and informing local and citywide industry groups. The applicant shall provide records showing the specific efforts to rent such space;
(c) there is sufficient alternative space to meet the needs of commercial and manufacturing uses in the area. The vacancy rate for industrial space in the area shall be one evidentiary element to prove the availability of alternative space;
(d) City, State and Federal economic development programs, to the extent applicable, had been explored and found not suitable;
(e) the commercial and industrial tenants were given the opportunity by the applicant, or predecessor in title, to remain in the spaces at fair market rentals, and the property owner or predecessor in title did not cause the vacating of the space for the additional conversion;
(f) the neighborhood in which the conversion is taking place will not be excessively burdened by increased residential activity; and
(g) all dwelling units or joint living-work quarters for artists permitted by this special permit meet the standards of the applicable district for such units or quarters.
If the Commission determines that floor area in the building, or portion thereof, was occupied as dwelling units or joint living-work quarters for artists on September 1, 1980, findings (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section shall not be required for the grant of a special permit for such floor area, provided that a complete application to prove occupancy as a dwelling unit or joint living-work quarters for artists is submitted to Commission by the owner of the building or the occupant of a dwelling unit or joint living-work quarters for artists in such buildings not later than June 21, 1983. In addition, the Commission must find that there is no substantial evidence that the landlord forced commercial or manufacturing tenants to vacate such floor area through harassment, non-renewal of leases or the charging of rents in excess of the then fair market value. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, the Commission shall not grant or deny a special permit pursuant to the provisions of this Section unless an application for such special permit has been submitted by the owner of the building.
The Commission shall request a report from the Office of Economic Development regarding information useful in making findings (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section. Said report is to be provided within 30 days of the Commission's request.
In granting the special permit under this Section, the Commission shall require the preservation of the maximum amount of floor area for commercial or manufacturing uses that the Commission deems feasible.
In all districts except R1, R2, R3, R4 or R5 Districts or C1 or C2 Districts mapped within such districts, for developments or enlargements, the City Planning Commission may permit development rights to be transferred to adjacent lots from lots occupied by landmark buildings or other structures, may permit the maximum permitted floor area on such adjacent lot to be increased on the basis of such transfer of development rights, may permit, in the case of developments or enlargements containing residences, the minimum required open space or the density requirements to be reduced on the basis of such transfer of development rights, may permit variations in the front height and setback regulations and the regulations governing the size of required loading berths, and minor variations in public plaza, arcade and yard regulations, for the purpose of providing a harmonious architectural relationship between the development or enlargement and the landmark building or other structure.
Where a zoning lot occupied by a landmark building or other structure is located in a Residence District, the Commission may modify the applicable regulation of primary business entrances, show windows, signs and entrances and exits to accessory off-street loading berths on the "adjacent lot" in a Commercial District provided that such modifications will not adversely affect the harmonious relationship between the building on the "adjacent lot" and landmark building or other structure.
For the purposes of this Section, the term "adjacent lot" shall mean a lot that is contiguous to the lot occupied by the landmark building or other structure or one that is across a street and opposite the lot occupied by the landmark building or other structure, or, in the case of a corner lot, one that fronts on the same street intersection as the lot occupied by the landmark building or other structure. It shall also mean, in the case of lots located in C5-3, C5-5, C6-6, C6-7 or C6-9 Districts, a lot contiguous or one that is across a street and opposite to another lot or lots that except for the intervention of streets or street intersections, form a series extending to the lot occupied by the landmark building or other structure. All such lots shall be in the same ownership (fee ownership or ownership as defined under zoning lot in Section 12-10).
A "landmark building or other structure" shall include any structure designated as a landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Board of Estimate pursuant to Chapter 8-A of the New York City Charter and Chapter 8-A of the New York City Administrative Code, but shall not include those portions of zoning lots used for cemetery purposes, statues, monuments and bridges. No transfer of development rights is permitted pursuant to this Section from those portions of zoning lots used for cemetery purposes, any structures within historic districts, statues, monuments or bridges.
The grant of any special permit authorizing the transfer and use of such development rights shall be in accordance with all the regulations set forth in Sections 74-791 (Requirements for application), 74-792 (Conditions and limitations) and 74-793 (Transfer instruments and notice of restrictions).
Requirements for application
An application to the City Planning Commission for a grant of a special permit to allow a transfer of development rights and construction based thereon shall be made by the owners of the respective zoning lots and shall include: a site plan of the landmark lot and the adjacent lot, including plans for all developments or enlargements on the adjacent lot; a program for the continuing maintenance of the landmark; and such other information as may be required by the City Planning Commission. The application shall be accompanied by a report from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
A separate application shall be filed for each independent "adjacent lot" to which development rights are being transferred under this Section.
Conditions and limitations
(a) For the purposes of this Section, except in C5-3, C5-5, C6-6, C6-7 or C6-9 Districts, the basic maximum allowable floor area for a zoning lot occupied by a landmark shall be the maximum floor area allowed by the applicable district regulations on maximum floor area ratio or minimum required open space ratio and shall not include any additional floor area allowed for public plazas, arcades or any other form of bonus whether by right or special permit.
(b) The maximum amount of floor area that may be transferred from any zoning lot occupied by a landmark building shall be computed in the following manner:
(1) the maximum allowable floor area that could be built for buildings other than community facility buildings under existing district regulations on the same zoning lot if it were undeveloped;
(2) less the total floor area of all buildings on the landmark lot;
(3) the figure computed from paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section, inclusive, shall be the maximum amount that may be transferred to any one or number of adjacent lots; and
(4) unutilized floor area may be transferred from one or any number of zoning lots occupied by a landmark building to one or any number of zoning lots adjacent to the landmark lot so as to increase the basic maximum allowable floor area that may be utilized on such adjacent zoning lots. For each such adjacent zoning lot, the increase in floor area allowed under the provisions of this Section shall in no event exceed the basic maximum floor area allowable on such adjacent zoning lot by more than 20 percent.
(c) When adjacent lots are located in C5-3, C5-5, C6-6, C6-7 or C6-9 Districts and are to be developed or enlarged with commercial buildings, the following conditions and limitations shall apply:
(1) the maximum amount of floor area that may be transferred from any zoning lot occupied by a landmark building shall be the maximum floor area allowed by Section 33-12 for commercial buildings on said landmark zoning lot, as if it were undeveloped, less the total floor area of all existing buildings on the landmark zoning lot;
(2) for each such adjacent zoning lot, the increase in floor area allowed by the transfer pursuant to this Section shall be over and above the maximum floor area allowed by the applicable district regulations; and
(3) the City Planning Commission may require, where appropriate, that the design of the development or enlargement include provisions for public amenities such as, but not limited to, open public spaces, subsurface pedestrian passageways leading to public transportation facilities, public plazas and arcades.
(d) In any and all districts, the transfer once completed shall irrevocably reduce the amount of floor area that can be utilized upon the lot occupied by a landmark by the amount of floor area transferred. In the event that the landmark’s designation is removed or if the landmark building is destroyed, or if for any reason the landmark building is enlarged or the landmark lot is redeveloped, the lot occupied by a landmark can only be developed or enlarged up to the amount of permitted floor area as reduced by the transfer.
(e) As a condition of permitting such transfers of development rights, the Commission shall make the following findings:
(1) that the permitted transfer of floor area or variations in the front height and setback regulations will not unduly increase the bulk of any development or enlargement, density of population or intensity of use in any block to the detriment of the occupants of buildings on the block or nearby blocks, and that any disadvantages to the surrounding area caused by reduced access of light and air will be more than offset by the advantages of the landmark's preservation to the local community and the City as a whole;
(2) that the program for continuing maintenance will result in the preservation of the landmark; and
(3) that in the case of landmark sites owned by the City, State or Federal Government, transfer of development rights shall be contingent upon provision by the applicant of a major improvement of the public pedestrian circulation or transportation system in the area.
The Commission shall give due consideration to the relationship between the landmark building and any buildings developed or enlarged on the adjacent lot regarding materials, design, scale and location of bulk.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
The owners of the landmark lot and the adjacent lot shall submit to the City Planning Commission a copy of the transfer instrument legally sufficient in both form and content to effect such a transfer. Notice of the restrictions upon further development or enlargement on the lot occupied by the landmark and the adjacent lot shall be filed by the owners of the respective lots in the place and county designated by law for the filing by the owners of the respective lots in the place and county designated by law for the filing of deeds and restrictions on real property, a certified copy of which shall be submitted to the Commission.
Both the instrument of transfer and the notice of restrictions shall specify the total amount of floor area to be transferred, and shall specify, by lot and block numbers, the lots from which and the lots to which, such transfer is made.
ADDITIONAL PERMITS
The related accessory social and welfare facilities minimum requirement, as set forth in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS - Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors) may be reduced or waived in any affordable independent residence for seniors as to which the City Planning Commission makes the following findings:
(a) the proposed affordable independent residence for seniors is an addition to or enlargement or expansion of an existing affordable independent residences for seniors and is located on a zoning lot no portion of which is more than 1,500 feet from the existing affordable independent residence for seniors;
(b) both affordable independent residences for seniors will be owned, operated and maintained by the same sponsoring organization;
(c) the existing affordable independent residence for seniors contains related social and welfare facilities which will be used to adequately and conveniently service tenants of both the existing and proposed affordable independent residence for seniors
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to enhance the character and purposes of the project.
Through Block Arcades
In C4-7, C5-2, C5-3, C5-4, C5-5 and C6 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit through block arcades to be located in commercial buildings or mixed buildings. For each square foot of through block arcade located in C4-7, C5-2, C5-4, C6-1, C6-2, C6-3, C6-4, C6-5 and C6-8 Districts, a bonus of three feet of floor area may be permitted and for each square foot of through block arcade located in C5-3, C5-5, C6-1A, C6-6, C6-7 and C6-9 Districts, a bonus of six feet of floor area may be permitted. Through block arcades may be located on a zoning lot in conjunction with a publicly accessible open area or an arcade but in no event shall the total floor area permitted on that zoning lot exceed the amount set forth in Section 33-12 (Maximum Floor Area Ratio) by more than 20 percent.
In the districts with an equivalent residential floor area ratio of 10, any floor area bonus earned by providing a through block arcade may be applied to increase the residential floor area of a mixed building provided the maximum floor area ratio for the residential portion does not exceed 12.0.
Each application for a through block arcade must meet the following criteria:
(1) result in substantial improvement of pedestrian circulation; and
(2) provide appropriate secondary commercial frontage along the through block arcade such as small shops and restaurants.
Bridges, mezzanines and balconies which add interest and function to the arcade without unduly obstructing its light and air may be incorporated in the proposal.
Lighting, paving, signs and plantings shall be specified in the application.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize any adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Court houses
In all Commercial Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications of the applicable bulk regulations so as to allow the same bulk regulations as would apply for a community facility building in the applicable Commercial District and may permit modifications of the applicable regulations in Sections 33-26 to 33-30, inclusive, relating to Yard Regulations or Sections 33-41 to 33-45, inclusive, relating to Height and Setback Regulations. The Commission shall find that because of site limitations such modifications are necessary for the proper design and operation of the court house.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Borough-based jail system
For zoning lots that are the subject of a site selection for a borough-based jail system pursuant to application C 190333 PSY, the City Planning Commission may, by special permit, allow modifications to the applicable regulations governing uses, bulk, including permitted floor area ratio, the permitted capacities of accessory off-street parking facilities and public parking garages, and off-street loading regulations, to facilitate construction of the proposed facilities. In order to grant such special permit, the Commission shall find that:
(a) any use modifications will support the operation of the facility and will be compatible with the essential character of the surrounding area;
(b) ground floor uses will be located in a manner that is inviting to the public and will integrate the facility within the surrounding community;
(c) any increase in permitted floor area ratio will facilitate the development of the facility;
(d) any bulk modifications will improve the interior layout and functionality of the facility;
(e) such bulk modifications, including any increase in permitted floor area ratio, will have minimal adverse effects on access to light and air for buildings and open spaces in the surrounding area;
(f) any modifications to the provisions of accessory off-street parking and loading regulations will not create serious traffic congestion or unduly inhibit vehicular or pedestrian movement and will not impair or adversely affect the development of the surrounding area; and
(g) any modifications to the permitted capacity of public parking garages:
(1) will not create serious traffic congestion or unduly inhibit vehicular or pedestrian movement and will not impair or adversely affect the development of the surrounding area; and
(2) will provide adequate reservoir space at the vehicular entrances to accommodate automobiles equivalent in number to 20 percent of the total number of spaces up to 50 spaces, and five percent of any spaces in excess of 200, but in no event shall such reservoir space be required for more than 50 automobiles.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In C5-2, C5-3, C5-4, C5-5, C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8 or C6-9 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit a zoning lot having a minimum area of 40,000 square feet or occupying an entire block to be developed to its maximum allowable bulk under applicable district regulations and any existing buildings to remain temporarily on that lot and may permit the floor area of any existing buildings to be excluded from computations determining such maximum allowable floor area, provided that each and every one of the following conditions are met:
(a) that existing buildings with unexpired leasehold interests are located upon such zoning lot;
(b) that all leases within the existing buildings must terminate within five years after the issuance of a special permit under this Section, and that no new leases or any lease renewals shall be entered into on any existing buildings or portion of such existing buildings;
(c) that the total floor area of all such existing buildings on the zoning lot is not greater than 20 percent of the maximum allowable floor area for that zoning lot;
(d) that demolition of all such existing buildings must commence within five years after the issuance of the special permit under this Section;
(e) that the portions of the zoning lot where existing buildings are located and are to be demolished shall be redeveloped according to the approved site plan; and
(f) that, until such time as demolition of all such existing buildings and completion of the approved site plans, floor area equal in amount to that which was located in such existing buildings, must be left unfinished and vacant in the new development; and a temporary certificate of occupancy, for the vacant space, shall remain in effect until all conditions in the special permit are satisfied.
The owner of the zoning lot shall submit a copy of all leases on any building or portion of any building on the zoning lot together with an opinion of counsel that the leases will terminate within five years.
All leases of such existing buildings or portions of buildings shall submit affidavits attesting to the expiration date of their leases together with an opinion of counsel that the lease will expire within five years.
The owner of the zoning lot shall have prominently displayed on the front of all existing buildings a sign stating the date that the building is to be demolished.
As a further condition for the issuance of a permit under this Section, the owner of the zoning lot, upon which new development is to take place, must post a bond or other security payable to the City of New York and approved by the Corporation Counsel sufficient in amount to:
(1) cover the cost of demolishing the existing buildings should the owner fail to so demolish within the prescribed time;
(2) ensure that all floor area which is to be vacant in the new development shall remain unfinished and vacant; and
(3) ensure that no new leases or lease renewals are entered into on any portion of any of the existing buildings.
The bonds or other securities shall be payable to The City of New York if any of the above conditions are violated.
The Commission must find, with each grant for a special permit under this Section, that the development shall result in improved circulation and would eliminate the undesirable preemption of ground level space by private buildings or other structures. In making this finding, the Commission may consider the provision of improved connections to rapid transit facilities, where applicable.
The site plan accompanying each application for a grant of special permit under this Section shall include a schedule indicating the timetable of demolition of all existing buildings and the schedule of new development and other improvements on the zoning lot.
In all Residence Districts except R9 and R10 Districts, in C1 or C2 Districts mapped within all such Residence Districts except R9 and R10 Districts, or in C1-6, C1-7 or C2-6 Districts, for a staged development of public, or publicly assisted housing projects, the City Planning Commission may permit any existing occupied building to remain temporarily on a zoning lot, and may authorize the applicable bulk regulations of the underlying districts to apply to the entire zoning lot without regard to the existence of such temporary building if the following conditions are met:
(a) that the entire zoning lot of such development is owned by the applicant;
(b) that the development plan for the project, showing compliance with all provisions of this Resolution, has been approved by the Board of Estimate, or will be subject to Board of Estimate approval in conjunction with the application for a special permit under this Section;
(c) that the number of existing dwelling units temporarily retained on a zoning lot are no more than the number of new dwelling units approved for construction on such zoning lot;
(d) that no final certificate of occupancy shall be issued by the Department of Buildings for the new construction until all pre-existing buildings except those buildings which are to be retained in accordance with the approved development plan are vacated, demolished and their sites are redeveloped in accordance with the approved project plan;
(e) that the use of this staged development process, rather than a method of development requiring compliance with this Resolution, is necessary to expedite the construction of new housing and to alleviate the City's relocation housing problems; and
(f) that the final development complies with all the applicable regulations of the underlying districts of the Zoning Regulation.
The site plan accompanying each application for a grant of special permit under this Section shall include a schedule indicating the timetable of demolition of all existing buildings and the schedule of new development and other improvements on the zoning lot.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize any adverse effects on the character of the block and of the surrounding area resulting from the temporary non-conformity with the Resolution permitted pursuant to this Section.
In R10 Districts, in C1 or C2 Districts mapped within such Residence Districts, or in C1-9 or C2-8 Districts, for any development on a zoning lot which was all within single ownership on or before May 31, 1973, which contained a portion of its zoning lot mapped within an R8 District on or before May 31, 1973, which is located within the boundaries of Community Board 8 in the Borough of Manhattan, and which preserves and maintains existing on-site residential buildings, the City Planning Commission may grant, upon application resulting from joint efforts of a developer and on-site tenants, and after Community Board 8 has reviewed the architectural plans, a floor area bonus for public open area and relocation housing as set forth in this Section, and modify height and setback, yards, courts and distance between buildings regulations. The provisions of this Section shall not apply in any special purpose district, unless permitted by such special purpose district.
As a condition for granting a special permit for such development, the Commission shall make the following findings:
(a) that the retention of existing residential buildings is essential to preserve the character of the neighborhood;
(b) that the existing residential buildings are suitable for rehabilitation;
(c) that no residential or community facility building existing prior to May 31, 1973, be demolished or residential tenants evicted, on a narrow street, if 50 percent or more of the floor area of such building is located beyond 125 feet from a street intersection;
(d) that the relocation practices followed by the developer on the entire zoning lot satisfy applicable governmental standards;
(e) that existing buildings or portions thereof contain dwelling units which will be available on a priority basis for occupancy by on-site tenants displaced by new construction or by rehabilitation after December 31, 1970, in accordance with an approved relocation, rehabilitation and continued maintenance program;
(f) that any outstanding eviction notices have been withdrawn;
(g) that on-site tenants have not been subject to harassment by intent or otherwise or where harassment has occurred, it has ceased as of the date of the application for the special permit hereunder;
(h) that the dwelling units that are reserved for such relocation housing shall comply with an approved rent schedule;
(i) that an agreement between the tenants and developers on the relocation plan has been reached which is satisfactory to two-thirds of the tenants on-site on the date of application for special permit hereunder;
(j) that the development provides a minimum of 30 percent of the lot area of the zoning lot as public open area at curb level. Where site conditions preclude open area at curb level, such open area shall not at any point be more than five feet above nor more than eight feet below curb level of the street providing primary access to such area. The public open area shall be preferably on the southerly side of the lot unobstructed from its lowest level to the sky except as set forth in this Section, and directly accessible to the public from an adjoining street. Access to such public open area shall be clearly visible from the street. The said area shall contain lighting, landscaping, planting, pedestrian ways and sitting areas and be maintained in accordance with reasonable standards. Building columns or similar elements may be permitted but the aggregate area of such elements may not exceed two percent of the total public open area. Driveways, off-street parking spaces and loading berths and balconies are not permitted within the public open area:
(1) for a development within 600 feet of a public park or playground having a minimum area of one acre, the minimum dimension of the public open area shall be at least 30 feet; access to such public area shall be at least 25 feet wide at the street line and the clear width of the walkway for pedestrian traffic shall not be less than 20 feet. The public open area may include covered or arcaded areas, total area of which shall not exceed 20 percent of the required public open area. Such arcaded or covered areas shall have an average clear height of not less than 20 feet and a minimum clear height of 12 feet.
(2) for all other development pursuant to this Section, the minimum dimension of such public open area shall be 45 feet and have a minimum area of 4,500 square feet. The development shall also provide an arcade which abuts the street line along the short dimension of the block and extends along the full length of the building on such frontage. Such arcades and required setback areas which abut the street line along the short dimension of the block shall be included in meeting the 30 percent public open area requirements of this Section.
(k) that the finish of exterior walls of the existing building fronting on such public open area is compatible with the development and the public open area;
(l) that a roof area of development shall be landscaped for use by residential tenants and shall:
(1) be restricted to occupants of the residential portion and their guests for whom no admission or membership fees are charged;
(2) be directly accessible from a lobby or other public area served by the residential elevators;
(3) be landscaped, including trees or shrubbery, except where covered or developed with recreational facilities and seating areas; and
(4) contain not less than 2,500 square feet of continuous area open to the sky on a single level with a minimum dimension of not less than 40 feet.
(m) that the total development will result in satisfactory site planning and satisfactory urban design relationships of buildings to adjacent streets and surrounding developments;
(n) that the development will not have a negative environmental impact on the neighborhood or change the character of the neighborhood.
(o) that the basic floor area ratio for the zoning lot may be increased from 10.0 to 12.0 for complying with the provisions of this Section.
In determining the precise extent of the increase in the basic floor area ratio on a zoning lot from 10.0 to 12.0, the Commission shall, after consultation with Manhattan Community Board 8, balance the economic benefit received by the builder after deducting the cost of the following:
(1) the number of tenants relocated on and off site;
(2) the number of units and cost of on-site renovation; and
(3) the extent and period of years for which rent subsidies are provided over and above those required as relocation benefits under applicable governmental standards.
In no event shall a new building exceed 32 stories excluding the basement level.
No final certificate of occupancy shall be issued by the Department of Buildings for the new construction until the total development complies with the approved rehabilitation and relocation program.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
For any development on a zoning lot a portion of which, exceeding 50 percent, is located in an R9 District, in a C1 or C2 District mapped within an R9 District or in a C1-8 or C2-7 District, and the remaining portion of which is located in an R8 District, and which provides a new community facility building for an institution existing on the zoning lot prior to the development and which includes an open area for public use, the City Planning Commission may allow the zoning district regulations applicable to the zoning lot including, but not limited to, bulk and parking to be changed as set forth in this Section and may modify yard, height and setback, density and distance between buildings regulations in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
As a condition for granting a special permit for such development, the Commission shall find that:
(a) the provision of the new community facility building will result in the reinforcement or preservation of an existing church or house of worship, community center, school, library, museum, college or university which is essential to the character of the neighborhood and that such community facility building will be used only as a community facility building;
(b) such community facility building is free-standing and independent of any new residential building and contains floor space of at least 10,000 square feet and shall be located entirely on the R8 portion of the zoning lot; the height of the community facility building shall not exceed the greater of:
(1) a height of 20 feet greater than that of the nearest existing building in the adjacent R8 District; or
(2) 40 feet;
(c) the arrangement has been made for continuing maintenance of the community facility building;
(d) the development provides a minimum of 25 percent of the lot area of the zoning lot as public open area at curb level. Where site conditions preclude open area at curb level, such open area shall at no point be more than three feet below curb level or six feet above curb level of the street providing primary access to such area. The public open area shall be unobstructed from its lowest level to the sky except as set forth in this Section, directly accessible to the public from an adjoining street and, if feasible, be located on the southerly side of the zoning lot. Entrance to such public open area shall be clearly visible from the street. The said area shall be developed with lighting, landscaping including planting of shrubs and trees, pedestrian ways and seating areas in accordance with plans approved by the Commission and shall be maintained in accordance with a maintenance program approved by the Commission. Building columns or similar elements may be permitted, but the aggregate area of such elements may not exceed two percent of the total public area. Driveways, off-street parking spaces and loading berths are not permitted within the public open area.
A portion of the open area shall be developed as a park area concentrated in one location and having a minimum dimension of 45 feet and a minimum area of 4,500 square feet. The park area shall be accessible to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day from May 1 to September 30 and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day from October 1 to April 30, and such hours shall be posted on a sign that is plainly visible from the sidewalk adjoining the principal entrance to the park. In addition to the 4,500 square feet of park area, in meeting the 25 percent public open area requirements of this Section, the development may provide a non-bonusable public plaza, arcade or sidewalk continuation area; and
(e) any bulk modifications granted will result in satisfactory site planning and satisfactory urban design relationships of buildings within the development to adjacent streets and surrounding developments.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area. The zoning lot containing such development shall be subject to all the regulations applicable to a C1-9 District subject to the provisions of any special purpose district within which the zoning lot is located, except that the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be 11.0. The floor area bonus provision for public plazas or arcades shall not apply. The accessory off-street parking requirements of Section 36-33 shall be 20 percent.
At any level at which a building within the development penetrates an established sky exposure plane, such building shall not, in the aggregate, occupy more than 45 percent of the lot area of the zoning lot.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Zoning Resolution, the community facility portion of the development may be conveyed by deed, lease or otherwise to the institution operating the community facility building and, for the purposes of this development, such conveyance shall be deemed not to alter the single zoning lot status of the zoning lot containing the total development authorized under this Section. In no event shall the floor area of the total development, including the community facility portion, exceed a floor area ratio of 11.0.
In R8, R9 and R10 Districts, and in C1-7, C1-8, C1-9, C2-7 and C2-8 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications of height and setback regulations for developments or enlargements containing residences, provided the following findings are made:
(a) that the resulting site plan affords better placement of the buildings on the zoning lot with improved arrangement of open space and improved access of light and air for the dwelling units; and
(b) that the site is adjacent to or opposite a permanent space comprising an area of at least three acres such as a park, public place, waterfront, wharf property, wharves or docks, and that the resulting placement of the buildings will not unduly obstruct access of light and air in the street or on adjacent zoning lots.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions or safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
However, the provisions of this Section shall not apply to Quality Housing buildings.
For a zoning lot divided by a boundary between an R8 District, or a Commercial District permitting an equivalent residential floor area ratio, and an R10 District, or a Commercial District permitting an equivalent residential floor area ratio, the City Planning Commission may permit modifications of the height and setback regulations for that portion of a development which fronts on a wide street and is located in the R8 or equivalent District, provided it finds that such modification will not unduly obstruct access of light and air to surrounding streets and properties.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In M1-5 or M1-6 Districts, the City Planning Commission may modify the applicable regulations governing height and setback or yards for a change of use, extension or minor enlargement involving a large retail establishment.
In M1-5M Districts, the Commission may also modify the applicable regulations governing loading berths so as to allow the location of such berths off-site in conjunction with a change of use, extension or enlargement of a large retail establishment with a floor area of at least 25,000 square feet within a building designed for residential use.
As a condition of granting a special permit for such large retail establishments, the Commission shall find:
- that such bulk modifications will not unduly obstruct the access of light and air to surrounding streets and properties; and
- that in the case of modification of loading berth regulations to allow off-site loading berths, the Commission further finds:
- that an adequate alternate loading facility in the same ownership (single fee ownership or control or alternative ownership arrangements of the zoning lot definition in Section 12-10) as the retail store is provided, subject to a deed restriction filed in an office of record binding the owner and his heirs and assigns to maintain the alternate facility throughout the life of the retail store;
- that the alternate loading facility is located within the same district or an adjoining C6-M, C8 or Manufacturing District and the maximum distance between the two sites is 1000 feet;
- that the location of the loading berths on the same zoning lot as the retail store would have a significant impact on the existing residential uses in the building;
- that the location of the loading berths on the same zoning lot as the retail store would create serious vehicular and pedestrian traffic conflict on the street upon which the store fronts; and
- that the alternate location of such loading berths will not unduly affect the movement of pedestrians or vehicles on the streets surrounding the alternate site.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Covered Pedestrian Space
For the development or enlargement of a commercial, community facility or mixed building, for each square foot of covered pedestrian space provided on a zoning lot, the total floor area permitted on that zoning lot under the provisions of Section 33-12 (Maximum Floor Area Ratio) may be increased as set forth in the following table:
PERMITTED ADDITIONAL FLOOR AREA PER SQUARE FOOT OF COVERED PEDESTRIAN SPACE
District | Basic (in square feet) | Maximum (in square feet) |
C5-3 C5-5 C6-6 C6-7 C6-9 | 11 | 14 |
C4-7 C5-2 C5-4 C6-4 C6-5 C6-8 | 8 | 11 |
In no event shall the resulting floor area ratio exceed the amount set forth in Section 33-12 by more than 20 percent. Any floor area bonus earned by providing a covered pedestrian space may be applied to increase the residential floor area of a mixed building, provided the maximum floor area ratio for the residential portion does not exceed 12.0.
Any portion of the covered pedestrian space that is within 10 feet of a street line or lot line and that is extended along such street line or lot line on either side of an entrance to it from an adjoining street, arcade, publicly accessible open area, court, yard or other covered pedestrian space, may receive only that floor area bonus accorded to an arcade.
The basic floor area bonus may be increased by providing one or more of the following additional amenities:
(a) An escalator, providing pedestrian access from sidewalk level to any floor level containing uses specified in paragraph (c) of Section 74-872 (Design requirements for covered pedestrian spaces). Such escalator may be either within or directly accessible from the covered pedestrian space. The basic floor area bonus may be increased by 1.5 square feet per square foot of covered pedestrian space for each floor level connected by such escalator. However, the floor area bonus earned for the total covered pedestrian space by providing such escalator shall not exceed the allowable maximum set forth in the table.
(b) Where the height over at least one-third of the covered pedestrian space in one location is increased by more than one story of the building above the required height, the basic floor area bonus for that portion may be increased by 1.5 square feet per square foot of such raised portion for each such story. However, the floor area bonus earned for the total covered pedestrian space by providing such additional height shall not exceed the allowable maximum set forth in the table.
(c) Where direct access from the covered pedestrian space to a subway station mezzanine or concourse is provided and such connection is major, necessary, and kept open to the general public for the same hours as the covered pedestrian space or as specified by the Commission, an additional bonus of two square feet of floor area per square foot of covered pedestrian space may be permitted over the amount specified in the table.
In order to qualify for a floor area bonus, a covered pedestrian space shall be directly accessible to the public from the adjoining street, arcade, through block arcade, publicly accessible open area, court, yard, pedestrian mall or other covered pedestrian space which is a part of the public pedestrian circulation system, and shall:
(a) have an area of at least 3,000 square feet and a minimum width, at any point, of 20 feet. For spaces between 100 feet and 150 feet in length, the minimum width shall be 25 feet. For spaces longer than 150 feet, the average width shall be at least 30 feet;
(b) have a height of at least 30 feet;
(c) have appropriate uses permitted in the district, such as, but not limited to, small stores and cafes, occupying the maximum feasible frontage along those bounding walls of the covered pedestrian space which do not abut lot lines or street lines. At least 50 percent of such frontage shall be comprised of individual uses, each of which has a frontage not exceeding 25 feet, and the frontage of any other single use may not exceed 40 feet. In no event may banks, loan offices, insurance offices or similar office type uses occupy any portion of the frontage of the covered pedestrian space. Access to other uses within a building may be provided from the covered pedestrian space if such uses are not located at the same story as the pedestrian space;
(d) be adequately illuminated, utilizing natural daylight wherever possible; and
(e) be suitably maintained and kept open to the public between 7:00 a.m. and 12 midnight or on a schedule suitable to meet the public need.
Obstructions such as awnings, canopies, pedestrian bridges, escalators, stairs, balconies or other architectural elements above the floor level of the covered pedestrian space are prohibited unless it can be clearly demonstrated that they will enhance design or pedestrian circulation. In any event, horizontal projection of balconies into any covered pedestrian space shall not exceed five feet.
Planting, landscaping, ornamental fountains, statuary, outdoor furniture, kiosks, works of art, light wells and other features may be permitted in a portion of the pedestrian space, but not to the extent of impeding pedestrian movement.
Columns or similar elements may be permitted within a covered pedestrian space, but the aggregate area of such elements may not exceed two percent of the total pedestrian space. The clear span along the main path of pedestrian traffic shall not be less than the figure indicated for minimum dimensions of pedestrian space in paragraph (a) of this Section. However, when two or more pedestrian paths are provided, the minimum clear span widths of such paths may be reduced by five feet.
Where multiple access to the covered pedestrian space is provided from an arcade, the minimum clear spacing between columns at the face of the building may be reduced to 18 feet, provided the height of the arcade is not less than 30 feet.
A portion of the covered pedestrian space shall be public sitting areas with appropriate facilities such as cafes or other public seating arrangements.
Entrances to lobbies may be permitted along the boundary of a covered pedestrian space. The floor area of an entrance lobby shall not be considered as part of the covered pedestrian space. Where a zoning lot is bounded by more than one street, or by the combination of streets, publicly accessible open areas or other public rights-of-way, the covered pedestrian space will provide a connection between at least two such areas.
Where the space is heated or air-conditioned, the standards for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning shall be at least equal to that of the lobby.
For the purpose of ensuring prominent public attention to the covered pedestrian space, the openings at the face of the building for entrances to the covered pedestrian space shall be at least 20 feet wide, 30 feet high and unobstructed for a depth of 30 feet, except, where the covered pedestrian space is air-conditioned, the openings at the entrances may be partially enclosed. Such enclosure at the entrances shall be transparent in nature, commence at a height not less than eight feet above the floor level at the entrances, and be set back from the face of the building at least 12 feet. Air curtains are permitted but shall be located at a height not less than eight feet. Such entrances are permitted to be fully enclosed only for that portion of the year between October 15 and April 15, provided, however, that such space is readily accessible to the public between 7:00 a.m. and 12 midnight or on a schedule suitable to meet the public need.
An information plaque shall be provided that contains a public space symbol and required text that matches the dimensions and graphic standards provided in the Privately Owned Public Space Signage file from the Required Signage Symbols on the Department of City Planning website. Such symbol and required text shall include the phrase “Open To Public” and shall be provided with a highly contrasting background, in a format that ensures legibility. Additional requirements and review procedures for privately owned public space signage systems are specified in Title 62, Chapter 11, of the Rules of the City of New York.
When a through block arcade provides public access to a covered pedestrian space, the opening at the point shall be at least 30 feet wide and 30 feet high. The two openings at the face of the building to the through block arcade shall be at least 20 feet wide and 30 feet high for a depth of 30 feet and shall be unobstructed except for stairs, ramps and escalators. If such space is air-conditioned, only one opening at the face of the building need comply with the partial enclosure requirements of the preceding paragraph.
A covered pedestrian space located at 12 feet or more below the sidewalk level shall provide direct subway or below grade pedestrian concourse access. For such covered pedestrian spaces, the entrance openings at the sidewalk level may be less than 30 feet in height, but not less than 15 feet, provided the entrance opening is unenclosed for its full height and is extended along the face of the building for the entire width of the covered pedestrian space.
As a condition for permitting such bonus floor area, the City Planning Commission shall find that:
(a) the proposed covered pedestrian space will have a useful role in meeting existing needs for sheltered space for the comfort and convenience of the general public;
(b) the proposed covered pedestrian space is located at or close to the principal level of pedestrian circulation in adjacent areas, with prominent and obvious public entrances;
(c) the public character of the proposed covered pedestrian space shall be obvious from the outside of the building;
(d) appropriate commercial uses including, but not limited to, small stores and cafes fronting on the covered pedestrian space are provided;
(e) the distribution of the bulk on the zoning lot permits satisfactory access of light and air to surrounding streets and properties; and
(f) the proposed connection to an underground subway station from a covered pedestrian space is necessary to ease pedestrian movement and sidewalk congestion in the area and the construction cost of the proposed amenity is substantial enough to justify the granting of additional floor area ratio bonus.
The Commission may permit modification of the entrance requirements for covered pedestrian spaces, provided that the Commission finds that the entrance is so designed as to ensure prominent public notice and promote public pedestrian circulation through such space.
Upon application, the City Planning Commission may permit the modification of height and setback and street wall regulations of Section 23-651 (Tower-on-a-base) and paragraph (a) of Section 35-64 (Special Tower Regulations for Mixed Buildings), except for the permitted tower coverage or the required floor area distribution below a height of 150 feet, and may permit modification of the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of Section 24-54 (Tower Regulations), provided the Commission makes the following findings:
(a) that such modification will enhance the contextual relationship of the development or enlargement to nearby buildings and improve the overall scale, site design and architectural harmony among buildings in the neighborhood; and
(b) that such modification will not unduly obstruct access of light and air to the detriment of the occupants or users of the buildings in the block or nearby blocks or of people using the public streets.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the scale and character of the surrounding area.
In C1 and C2 Districts when mapped in R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 Districts, and in C1-6, C1-7, C1-8, C1-9, C2-6, C2-7, C2-8, C4-2, C4-3, C4-4, C4-5, C4-6, C5-1, C6-1, C6-2, C6-3, C7, C8-2, C8-3, C8-4, M1-2, M1-3, M1-4, M1-5, M2 and M3 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modification of the bulk regulations for telephone exchanges or other communications equipment structures not existing on December 15, 1961, provided that the zoning lot has a minimum area of 40,000 square feet, a floor area ratio of no greater than 10.0 and that the following findings are made:
(a) that the growth of the utility service demand to be served by the facility requires the construction of a building or other structure that would exceed the allowable bulk permitted by the district regulations;
(b) that provisions of new or additional facilities at other locations would cause substantial duplication of plant and facilities;
(c) that the proposal is the minimum modification necessary to permit the additional facilities needed to serve the demand;
(d) that the design of the facility will not adversely affect the character of the neighborhood;
(e) that the existing street and public transportation system will not be adversely affected; and
(f) that, where appropriate and feasible in the judgment of the Commission, the applicant provides a public amenity for the benefit of the affected community.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area and shall require that the certificate of occupancy shall be limited to such use.
ADDITIONAL PERMITS
In Residence Districts and Commercial Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit, in conjunction with a laboratory listed under Use Group VII, modifications to bulk regulations, other than floor area ratio, provided that the following findings are met.
In order to grant the special permit, the Commission shall find that the proposed bulk modifications:
- will not unduly affect the essential character or impair the future use and development of the surrounding area; and
- will not unduly obstruct the access of light and air to adjoining properties or public streets.
In R1 and R2 Districts, and in C1 and C2 Districts mapped within such Residence Districts for any development, extension or enlargement or change of use involving any community facility uses listed in Use Group III permitted as-of-right pursuant to the provisions of Sections 22-13, or long-term care facilities for which a special permit has been granted pursuant to Section 74-131, the City Planning Commission may permit the allowable community facility floor area ratio and lot coverage of Section 24-11 (Maximum Floor Area Ratio and Percentage of Lot Coverage) to apply to all such uses, provided that the following findings are made:
(a) that the distribution of bulk on the zoning lot will not unduly obstruct the access of light and air in and to adjoining properties or public streets, and will result in satisfactory site planning and satisfactory urban design relationships of buildings to adjacent streets and the surrounding area;
(b) that the architectural and landscaping treatment and the height of the proposed building containing such uses blends harmoniously with the topography and the surrounding area;
(c) that the proposed facility will not require any significant additions to the supporting services of the neighborhood or that provision for adequate supporting services has been made; and
(d) that the streets providing access to such use are adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby or provision has been made to handle such traffic.
The Commission may request a report from appropriate governmental agencies with respect to community facility uses requesting a special permit under this Section.
To minimize traffic congestion in the area, the Commission may require where necessary off-street parking facilities and accessory off-street loading berths beyond the amount required by the district regulations.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
The City Planning Commission may permit the community facility floor area ratio and the community facility bulk provisions to apply to a development, extension or enlargement, or change of use containing long-term care facilities or philanthropic or non-profit institutions with sleeping accommodations, as set forth in paragraph (a), provided that the findings in paragraph (b) of this Section are met.
(a) The Commission may permit:
(1) in R3 through R9 Districts, or in C1 or C2 Districts mapped within an R3 through R9 District or Commercial Districts with an R3 through R9 District residential equivalent, the community facility floor area ratio of Section 24-11 (Maximum Floor Area Ratio and Percentage of Lot Coverage) to apply to buildings containing philanthropic or non-profit institutions with sleeping accommodations, as listed in Use Group 3;
(2) in R3-1, R3A, R3X, R4-1, R4A, R4B, R5A or R5B Districts, or in C1 or C2 Districts mapped within R3-1, R3A, R3X, R4-1, R4A, R4B, R5A or R5B Districts, or in C3A Districts, the community facility floor area ratio of Section 24-11 to apply to buildings containing long-term care facilities, as listed in Use Group 3;
(3) in R3-2 Districts, or R4 or R5 Districts without a letter or number suffix, or in C1 or C2 Districts mapped within an R3-2 District or within an R4 or R5 District without a letter suffix, or in C3 Districts without a letter suffix, or in C4-1 Districts, the bulk regulations of Article II, Chapter 4, Article III, Chapter 3, or Article III, Chapter 5, as applicable, and the community facility floor area ratio of Section 24-11, to apply to buildings containing long-term care facilities; or
(4) in R6 through R10 Districts without a letter suffix, and in C1 or C2 Districts mapped within an R6 through R10 District without a letter suffix or in Commercial Districts with an R6 through R10 District equivalent without a letter suffix, the bulk regulations of Article II Chapter 4, Article III, Chapter 3 or Article III, Chapter 5, as applicable, and the community facility floor area ratio of Section 24-11, as applicable, to apply to buildings containing long-term care facilities.
(b) In order to grant such a special permit for community facility floor area ratio or community facility bulk, as applicable, the Commission shall find that:
(1) the distribution of bulk on the zoning lot will not unduly obstruct the access of light and air to adjoining properties or public streets, and will result in satisfactory site planning and satisfactory urban design relationships of buildings to adjacent streets and the surrounding area;
(2) that the proposed facility will not require any significant additions to the supporting services of the neighborhood or that provision for adequate supporting services has been made; and
(3) the streets providing access to such use will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby or provision has been made to handle such traffic.
The Commission may request a report from appropriate governmental agencies with respect to community facility uses requesting a special permit under this Section.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
In all districts, the City Planning Commission may permit modification of the provisions of Section 37-70 (PUBLIC PLAZAS) affecting the eligibility of public plazas for bonus floor area, provided that such modification shall not include any modification of Sections 23-15 (Open Space and Floor Area Regulations in R6 Through R10 Districts), 24-14 or 33-13 (Floor Area Bonus for a Public Plaza).
Any modification shall be conditioned upon the Commission finding that the usefulness and attractiveness of the public plaza will be assured by the proposed layout and design and that such modification will result in a superior urban design relationship with surrounding buildings and open areas.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and controls to enhance the relationship of such public plazas to surrounding buildings and open areas.
For a building containing a museum listed under Use Group III(B), in an M1-5 District, on a zoning lot over which the High Line (as defined in Section 98-01) passes, the Commission may modify height and setback regulations, provided that such modifications:
- provide a better distribution of bulk on the zoning lot;
- result in a better relationship of the building to open areas including the High Line, adjacent streets and surrounding properties;
- provide adequate light and air for buildings on the zoning lot and do not adversely affect adjacent zoning lots by unduly restricting access to light and air to surrounding streets and properties; and
- result in a building containing a museum use that facilitates the public’s use and enjoyment of the High Line.
The Commission may prescribe additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Within the boundaries of Community District 6, Borough of Queens, for commercial or mixed use developments or enlargements on two or more zoning lots in more than one block, which zoning lots, as defined in Section 12-10, each have single fee ownership or equivalent ownership arrangements for all lots comprising the development or enlargement, which are contiguous or would be contiguous but for their separation by a street, and located partially in a C4-2 District, partially in a C4-2F District, the City Planning Commission may permit upon application:
- reduction of the parking requirement of Section 36-21 (General Provisions) by an amount not to exceed 50 percent, provided that the Commission finds that the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed parking is sufficient for the uses proposed;
- any closed and demapped air space above a street to be considered as a part of the development or enlargement and to be used for automobile ways, or for pedestrian ways, provided the Commission finds that:
- each bridge over the street bed utilizes only unused floor area from an adjoining zoning lot within the development or enlargement and that no floor area credit is generated from the demapped air space;
- each bridge adjoins zoning lots which are wholly within the development or enlargement;
- the curb levels of the adjoining zoning lots are not affected by the closing and demapping of such air space;
- all street frontages of the zoning lots under each bridge are provided with satisfactory lighting; and
- a landscaped open, covered or enclosed space for public use at street level, linked with the pedestrian circulation system, is provided in one location within the development or enlargement, which open, covered or enclosed space is at least equivalent to the street area covered by the bridges, has a minimum area of 20,000 square feet and is maintained with planting and seating facilities, by the owner of the development or enlargement or his designee, said open, covered or enclosed space to be subject to such other requirements as the Commission may deem appropriate;
- automobile service establishments, including: automobile, tire, battery, muffler and accessories establishments, including installation services; automobile glass and mirror shops, including installation services where such use is an integral part of the permitted principal use; automotive seat cover or convertible top establishments, including installation service, but not including automobile laundries; automobile painting establishments; automobile body repair establishments; or automobile fuel service stations;
- modification of applicable bulk regulations by permitting the total permitted floor area for all zoning lots within such development or enlargement to be distributed without regard to zoning lot lines and permitting the location of buildings without regard for the applicable height and setback regulations, provided the Commission finds that:
- such distribution of floor area and location of buildings will result in better site planning and will thus benefit both the neighborhood and the City as a whole; and
- such distribution of floor area and location of buildings will permit adequate access of light and air to surrounding streets and properties; and
- modification of the applicable provisions of Sections 32-64 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions) and 32-65 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), provided that the Commission finds that such modification will result in a better site plan.
The Commission may impose additional conditions and safeguards to improve the quality of the development or enlargement and minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including restrictions on permitted commercial uses, signs and location of curb cuts to ease vehicular and pedestrian circulation in the area.
Within the boundaries of Community District 6, Borough of Queens, for commercial or mixed use developments or enlargements on two or more zoning lots in more than one block, which zoning lots, as defined in Section 12-10, each have single fee ownership or equivalent ownership arrangements for all lots comprising the development or enlargement, which are contiguous or would be contiguous but for their separation by a street, and located partially in a C4-2 District, partially in a C4-2F District, the City Planning Commission may permit upon application:
(a) reduction of the parking requirement of Section 36-21 (General Provisions) by an amount not to exceed 50 percent, provided that the Commission finds that the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed parking is sufficient for the uses proposed;
(b) any closed and demapped air space above a street to be considered as a part of the development or enlargement and to be used for automobile ways, or for pedestrian ways, provided the Commission finds that:
(1) each bridge over the street bed utilizes only unused floor area from an adjoining zoning lot within the development or enlargement and that no floor area credit is generated from the demapped air space;
(2) each bridge adjoins zoning lots which are wholly within the development or enlargement;
(3) the curb levels of the adjoining zoning lots are not affected by the closing and demapping of such air space;
(4) all street frontages of the zoning lots under each bridge are provided with satisfactory lighting; and
(5) a landscaped open, covered or enclosed space for public use at street level, linked with the pedestrian circulation system, is provided in one location within the development or enlargement, which open, covered or enclosed space is at least equivalent to the street area covered by the bridges, has a minimum area of 20,000 square feet and is maintained with planting and seating facilities, by the owner of the development or enlargement or his designee, said open, covered or enclosed space to be subject to such other requirements as the Commission may deem appropriate;
(c) automobile service establishments, including: automobile, tire, battery, muffler and accessories establishments, including installation services; automobile glass and mirror shops, including installation services where such use is an integral part of the permitted principal use; automotive seat cover or convertible top establishments, including installation service, but not including automobile laundries; automobile painting establishments; automobile body repair establishments; or automobile fuel service stations;
(d) modification of applicable bulk regulations by permitting the total permitted floor area for all zoning lots within such development or enlargement to be distributed without regard to zoning lot lines and permitting the location of buildings without regard for the applicable height and setback regulations, provided the Commission finds that:
(1) such distribution of floor area and location of buildings will result in better site planning and will thus benefit both the neighborhood and the City as a whole; and
(2) such distribution of floor area and location of buildings will permit adequate access of light and air to surrounding streets and properties; and
(e) modification of the applicable provisions of Sections 32-64 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions) and 32-65 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), provided that the Commission finds that such modification will result in a better site plan.
The Commission may impose additional conditions and safeguards to improve the quality of the development or enlargement and minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including restrictions on permitted commercial uses, signs and location of curb cuts to ease vehicular and pedestrian circulation in the area.
In C6-2 Districts, for any development designed as a residence for people with disabilities, the City Planning Commission may, by special permit, modify the applicable height and setback regulations, open space and density requirements, regulations pertaining to permitted obstructions in required yards, and accessory parking requirements, and may increase, to a maximum of 7.2, the allowable residential floor area ratio on the zoning lot in accordance with the provisions of this Section. For purposes of this Section, a "residence for people with disabilities" is defined as a residence occupied at least 75 percent by disabled individuals or by households at least one of the members of which is disabled, and the remainder by individuals 62 years of age or older or by households at least one of the members of which is 62 years of age or older, and by the staff of such residence that:
(a) contains dwelling units especially designed for disabled persons and reserved for use as residences for the disabled for a period of not less than 40 years;
(b) contains related accessory social and welfare facilities primarily for residents which may also be made available to the community, such as cafeterias or dining halls, community rooms, workshops and other essential service facilities, provided that these facilities shall occupy floor area, cellar space or roof space in an amount equal to not less than 10 percent of the total floor area of the building or buildings. In no event shall the floor space occupied by lobbies, passageways, storage areas or other spaces normally provided in usual residential buildings be considered as part of the floor space attributable to the social and welfare facilities; and
(c) is constructed with the assistance of mortgage financing or other financial assistance insured by or procured through or with the assistance of a municipal, State or Federal government agency.
As a condition for such special permit, the Commission shall make the following findings:
(1) that the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, which may consult with other appropriate City agencies, has certified that the organization making the application for the special permit for the proposed residence for people with disabilities is a responsible group dealing with the needs of the disabled;
(2) that the Commission, in consultation with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and/or other appropriate City agencies, has determined that the special features and facilities are appropriate to the needs of the intended disabled residents of the development;
(3) that the modifications of bulk requirements for the development will not impede adequate access of light and air to the surrounding streets and residential properties; and
(4) that the modification of accessory off-street parking requirements on the zoning lot will not unduly inhibit surface traffic and pedestrian flow in the area.
For each square foot of space provided for accessory social or welfare facilities, the total residential floor area permitted on the zoning lot may be increased by two square feet. No floor area bonus provisions other than those set forth herein shall be applicable to the zoning lot. In no event shall the maximum floor area ratio on the zoning lot exceed 7.2.
The City Planning Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
For the purposes of this Section, the term "disabled" shall be applicable to any person who in the determination of the New York City Commissioner of Health has an impairment which is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, is a substantial impediment to his or her ability to live independently and is of a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions.
Housing Quality developments granted a special permit by the Board of Estimate, prior to August 14, 1987, may be started or continued pursuant to that special permit.
The City Planning Commission may, upon application, authorize modifications of special permits granted before August 14, 1987, under previous Sections 74-95 (Housing Quality Developments) and 74-97 (Special Provisions for a Housing Quality Development on a Through Lot Divided by Residence-Manufacturing District Boundaries with a Substantial Grade Differential).
No such modification may create a new non-compliance or increase the degree of an existing non-compliance.
Non-compliance shall be measured pursuant to the applicable district bulk regulations and the provisions of Article II, Chapter 8.
In no event may the Commission grant a modification of a previously approved special permit, which would:
(a) increase the height of the building;
(b) extend the location of the exterior walls of the building;
(c) increase the portion of the zoning lot covered by the building;
(d) increase the floor area on the zoning lot;
(e) reduce the amount of indoor and outdoor recreation space other than laundry rooms in the building;
(f) reduce the amount of bulk storage within a dwelling unit or reduce shared bulk storage below 40 cubic feet of storage space for each additional 300 square feet of dwelling unit, or portion thereof, above 450 square feet; or
(g) affect the provision and maintenance of off-site neighborhood improvements.
For developments or enlargements on zoning lots located within any Industrial Business Incentive Area specified on the maps in Section 74-968 (Maps of Industrial Business Incentive Areas), the City Planning Commission may increase the maximum permitted floor area ratio in accordance with Section 74-963 (Permitted floor area increase). In conjunction with such floor area increase, the Commission may permit modifications to other bulk regulations, provisions for publicly accessible open spaces, as well as parking and loading requirements for such developments or enlargements, pursuant to Section 74-964 (Modifications in conjunction with a floor area increase).
All applications for a special permit pursuant to this Section, inclusive, shall be subject to the requirements, conditions and findings set forth in Section 74-962 (Application requirements), Section 74-965 (Conditions), Section 74-966 (Findings), and Section 74-967 (Compliance, recordation and reporting requirements).
Definitions
For the purposes of Section 74-96 (Industrial Business Incentive Areas), inclusive, a “required industrial use” and an “incentive use” shall be defined as follows:
Incentive Use
An “incentive use” is a use permitted by the applicable zoning district, that is allowed to occupy the additional floor area generated by a required industrial use with the exception of the following uses:
From Use Group V
All uses listed under Use Group V
From Use Group VI
All uses listed under Use Group VI, other than industrial drycleaning and laundry services or uses listed under Repair and Maintenance
From Use Group VIII
All uses listed under Use Group VIII, other than uses listed under Art Galleries and Studios
From Use Group IX
All uses listed under Use Groups IX(A) or IX(C).
Required Industrial Use
A “required industrial use” is a referenced commercial and manufacturing use that helps achieve a desirable mix of commercial and manufacturing uses in an Industrial Business Incentive Area, and that generates additional floor area pursuant to provisions set forth in Section 74-962.
Application requirements
All applications for a special permit pursuant to this Section shall include the following:
(a) site plans and elevations which shall establish distribution of floor area, height and setback, sidewalk widths, primary business entrances, including parking and loading, yards and publicly accessible open space, signage and lighting;
(b) floor plans of all floors which shall establish the location, access plan and dimensions of freight elevators and loading areas and the location of floor area dedicated to required industrial uses and incentive uses;
(c) drawings that show, within a 600-foot radius, the location and type of uses, the location, dimensions and elements of off-site open areas including streets, waterfront and upland parcels, elements of a Waterfront Access Plan, as applicable, and the location of street trees and street furniture and any other urban design elements. Where applicable, for applications in Industrial Business Incentive Area 1, the plans shall demonstrate that any publicly accessible open space provided meets the requirements of paragraph (f) of Section 74-965 (Conditions); and
(d) for zoning lots in flood zones, flood protection plans, location of mechanical equipment, areas for storage of any hazardous materials and proposed structural or design elements intended to mitigate the impacts of flood and storm events.
In Industrial Business Incentive Areas, the City Planning Commission may increase the maximum floor area ratio on a zoning lot in accordance with the Table in this Section.
For developments or enlargements in the district indicated in Column A, for each square foot of required industrial uses, the base maximum floor area ratio on a zoning lot, set forth in Column B may be increased by 3.5 square feet up to the maximum floor area ratio for all uses on the zoning lot as set forth in Column E, provided that such increase in floor area is occupied by required industrial uses and incentive uses up to the maximum floor area ratio set forth in Column C (Maximum Additional Floor Area Ratio for Required Industrial Uses), and Column D (Maximum Additional Floor Area Ratio for Incentive Uses), respectively. In no event shall such development or enlargement include a transient hotel.
FLOOR AREA INCREASE PERMITTED
IN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS INCENTIVE AREAS
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
District |
Base Maximum Floor Area Ratio |
Maximum Additional Floor Area Ratio for Required Industrial Uses |
Maximum Additional Floor Area Ratio for Incentive Uses |
Maximum Floor Area Ratio for All Uses |
M1-2 |
2.0 |
0.8 |
2.0 |
4.8 |
M1-4 |
2.0 |
1.3 |
3.2 |
6.5 |
Applications for such floor area increases are eligible for modifications set forth in Section 74-964 (Modifications in conjunction with a floor area increase), and are subject to the conditions set forth in Section 74-965 and findings set forth in Section 74-966.
In Industrial Business Incentive Areas, the City Planning Commission may modify the following in conjunction with an application for a floor area increase pursuant to Section 74-963 (Permitted floor area increase).
(a) Bulk modifications
(1) Yard regulations
In all Industrial Business Incentive Areas, the rear yard regulations set forth in Section 43-20 (YARD REGULATIONS), inclusive, shall be modified pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (c) of Section 74-965 (Conditions). In addition, the Commission may modify any other yard regulations set forth in Section 43-20, inclusive.
(2) Height and setback regulations
(i) In Industrial Business Incentive Area 1, the height and setback regulations of Section 43-40 (HEIGHT AND SETBACK REGULATIONS), inclusive, shall be modified pursuant to the conditions of paragraph (d) of Section 74-965.
(ii) In Industrial Business Incentive Area 2, the Commission may modify the height and setback regulations of Section 43-40, inclusive.
(b) Modification for publicly accessible open space
In Industrial Business Incentive Area 1, where a publicly accessible open space is provided pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 74-965, the Commission may modify the provisions of Section 37-70 (PUBLIC PLAZAS), inclusive.
(c) Parking and loading modifications
In all Industrial Business Incentive Areas, the Commission may reduce or waive the off-street parking requirements set forth in Section 44-20 (REQUIRED ACCESSORY OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES FOR MANUFACTURING, COMMERCIAL OR COMMUNITY FACILITY USES), inclusive, not including bicycle parking, and may also reduce or waive the loading berth requirements as set forth in Section 44-50 (OFF-STREET LOADING REGULATIONS), inclusive.
Conditions
In Industrial Business Incentive Areas, applications for floor area increases pursuant to Section 74-963 (Permitted floor area increase) and modifications pursuant to Section 74-964 (Modifications in conjunction with a floor area increase), are subject to the following conditions:
(a) Minimum amount of required industrial uses
Required industrial uses shall occupy a minimum horizontally contiguous floor area of 5,000 square feet in Industrial Business Incentive Area 1, and 2,500 square feet in Industrial Business Incentive Area 2, and shall be served by loading areas and freight elevators with sufficient capacity.
(b) Minimum sidewalk width
In all Industrial Business Incentive Areas, all developments and horizontal enlargements that front upon a street line shall provide a sidewalk with a minimum width of 15 feet along the entire frontage of the zoning lot. Such sidewalk, and any open area on the zoning lot required to meet such minimum width shall be improved as a sidewalk to Department of Transportation standards; shall be at the same level as the adjoining public sidewalk; and shall be accessible to the public at all times.
(c) Yards
In all Industrial Business Incentive Areas, the rear yard regulations set forth in Section 43-20 (YARD REGULATIONS), inclusive, shall not apply to any development or enlargement on a through lot or the through lot portion of a zoning lot.
(d) Height and setback
In Industrial Business Incentive Area 1, the street wall location requirements and height and setback regulations of this paragraph shall apply to any development or enlargement. For the purposes of applying the provisions of this paragraph, any sidewalk widening line provided pursuant to the minimum sidewalk width requirement of paragraph (b) shall be considered the street line. All heights shall be measured from the base plane.
(1) The street wall of any building shall be located on the street line and shall extend to a height not lower than a minimum base height of 40 feet and not higher than a maximum base height of 75 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less. At least 70 percent of the aggregate width of such street wall below 12 feet shall be located at the street line and no less than 70 percent of the aggregate area of the street wall up to the base height shall be located at the street line. However, up to a width of 130 feet of such street wall located on the short end of the block may be set back from the street line to accommodate a publicly accessible open space provided pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section.
(2) The height of a building or other structure, or portion thereof, located within 10 feet of a wide street or within 15 feet of a narrow street shall not exceed a maximum base height of 75 feet. Permitted obstructions as set forth in Section 43-42 shall be modified to include dormers above the maximum base height within the front setback area, provided that on any street frontage, the aggregate width of all dormers at the maximum base height does not exceed 50 percent of the street wall and a maximum height of 110 feet. Beyond 10 feet of a wide street and 15 feet of a narrow street, the height of a building or other structure shall not exceed a maximum building height of 110 feet. Where a publicly accessible open space is provided pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section, such maximum building height may be increased to 135 feet.
(3) Along the short dimension of a block, up to 130 feet of such street wall may be set back from the street line to accommodate a publicly accessible open space provided pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section, and a street wall located at the street line that occupies not more than 40 percent of the short end of the block may rise without setback to the maximum building height.
(e) Ground floor design
In all Industrial Business Incentive Areas the ground floor level street walls, and ground floor level walls fronting on a publicly accessible open space of a development or horizontal enlargement provided pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section, shall be glazed in accordance with the provisions of Section 37-34 (Minimum Transparency Requirements).
(f) Publicly accessible open space
In Industrial Business Incentive Area 1, a publicly accessible open space shall be provided where the additional building height provision of paragraph (d)(2) of this Section is used. Such publicly accessible open space shall contain an area of not less than 12 percent of the lot area of the zoning lot and a minimum of at least 2,000 square feet in area. In addition, such publicly accessible open space shall comply with the provisions set forth in Section 37-70 (PUBLIC PLAZAS), inclusive, except that certification requirements of Sections 37-73 (Kiosks and Open Air Cafes) and 37-78 (Compliance) shall not apply.
(g) Signs
In all Industrial Business Incentive Areas, the following shall apply:
(1) Signs shall be subject to the regulations applicable in C6-4 Districts as set forth in Section 32-60 (SIGN REGULATIONS), inclusive. Information signs provided pursuant to paragraph (g)(2) of this Section shall not count towards the maximum permitted surface area regulations of Section 32-64 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), inclusive.
(2) An information sign shall be provided for all buildings subject to the use restrictions of this special permit. Such required sign shall be mounted on an exterior building wall adjacent to and no more than five feet from all primary entrances of the building. The sign shall be placed so that it is directly visible, without any obstruction, to persons entering the building, and at a height no less than four feet and no more than five and a half feet above the adjoining grade. Such sign shall be legible, no less than 12 inches by 12 inches in size and shall be fully opaque, non-reflective and constructed of permanent, highly durable materials. The information sign shall contain: the name and address of the building in lettering no less than three-quarters of an inch in height; and the following statement in lettering no less than one-half of an inch in height, “This building is subject to Industrial Business Incentive Area regulations which require a minimum amount of space to be provided for specific industrial uses.” The information sign shall include the internet URL, or other widely accessible means of electronically transmitting and displaying information to the public, where the information required in paragraph (b) of Section 74-967 (Compliance, recordation and reporting requirements) is available to the public.
Findings
In order to grant additional floor area and any modifications to bulk, publicly accessible open space or parking and loading regulations, the City Planning Commission shall find that:
(a) For all applications with a floor area increase, and for any applications with bulk modifications, such increase or modification:
(1) will promote a beneficial mix of required industrial and incentive uses;
(2) will result in superior site planning, harmonious urban design relationships and a safe and enjoyable streetscape;
(3) will result in a building that has a better design relationship with surrounding streets and adjacent open areas;
(4) will result in a development or enlargement that will not have an adverse effect on the surrounding neighborhood; and
(5) will, for yard or height and setback regulations, provide a better distribution of bulk on the zoning lot and will not unduly obstruct the access to light and air of surrounding streets and properties.
(b) Where modifications to publicly accessible open space requirements of paragraph (f) of Section 74-965 (Conditions) are proposed, such modifications will result in a publicly accessible open space of equivalent or greater value as a public amenity.
(c) Where modifications to parking or loading regulations are proposed:
(1) such reduction or waiver of required parking spaces will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit vehicular and pedestrian movement;
(2) the number of curb cuts provided are the minimum required for adequate access to off-street parking and loading berths, and such curb cuts are located so as to cause minimum disruption to traffic, including vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian circulation patterns;
(3) the streets providing access to the development or enlargement are adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby, or provision has been made to handle such traffic; and
(4) the reduction or waiver of loading berths requirements will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion or unduly inhibit vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate additional conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.
Applications for floor area increases and modifications in Industrial Business Incentive Areas are subject to the following requirements:
(a) Compliance and recordation
Failure to comply with a condition or restriction in a special permit granted pursuant to Section 74-96 (Industrial Business Incentive Areas), inclusive, or with applicable approved plans, or with provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section, shall constitute a violation of this Resolution and may constitute the basis for denial or revocation of a building permit or certificate of occupancy, or for a revocation of such special permit, and for the implementation of all other applicable remedies.
A Notice of Restrictions, the form and content of which shall be satisfactory to the Commission, for a property subject to use restrictions or public plaza requirements, as applicable, pursuant to this Section, shall be recorded against the subject tax lot in the Office of the City Register or, where applicable, in the County Clerk’s office in the county where the tax lot is located.
The filing and recordation of such Notice of Restrictions shall be a precondition to the issuance of any building permit utilizing the provisions set forth in this Section. The recording information shall be referenced on the first certificate of occupancy to be issued after such notice is recorded, as well as all subsequent certificates of occupancy, for as long as the restrictions remain in effect. No temporary certificate of occupancy for any portion of the building to be occupied by incentive uses shall be issued until a temporary certificate of occupancy for the core and shell is issued for all portions of the building required to be occupied by required industrial uses.
(b) Periodic notification by owner
No later than the 20th day after the lease executed by a new tenant permits occupancy of any required industrial space, the owner of a building subject to use restrictions of this special permit shall provide the following information at the designated internet URL, or other widely accessible means of electronically transmitting and displaying information to the public pursuant to paragraph (g)(2) of Section 74-965 (Conditions). If no new tenant executes a lease for any required industrial space within the calendar year, such information shall be provided no later than the 20th day of the following calendar year. Such electronic information source shall be accessible to the general public at all times and include the information specified below:
(1) the date of the most recent update of this information;
(2) total floor area of the required industrial uses in the development;
(3) a digital copy of all approved special permit drawings pursuant to Section 74-962 (Application requirements);
(4) the name of each business establishment occupying floor area reserved for required industrial uses. Such business establishment name shall include that name by which the establishment does business and is known to the public. For each business establishment, the amount of floor area, the Use Group, subgroup and specific use as listed in this Resolution shall also be included;
(5) contact information, including the name of the owner of the building and the building management entity, if different, the name of the person designated to manage the building, and the street address, current telephone number and e-mail address of the management office. Such names shall include the names by which the owner and manager, if different, do business and are known to the public; and
(6) all prior periodic notification information required pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (b). However, such notification information that is older than four years from the date of the most recent update need not be included.
(c) Annual reporting by qualified third party
No later than June 30 of each year, beginning in the first calendar year following the calendar year in which a temporary or final certificate of occupancy was issued for a building subject to use restrictions of this Section, the owner of a building subject to use restrictions of this Section shall cause to be prepared a report on the existing conditions of the building, as of a date of inspection which shall be no earlier than May 15 of the year in which the report is filed.
The inspection shall be preceded by an annual notification letter from the owner of a building subject to use restrictions of this Section to all the required industrial use tenants of the building announcing the date of such inspection, that the organization conducting the inspection shall have access to the spaces occupied by required industrial uses, and encouraging the tenants to provide information including, but not limited to, the number of employees for each such space, to the organization.
The owner of a building subject to use restrictions of this Section shall cause such report to be prepared by an organization under contract with the City to provide inspection services, or on the Department of Small Business Services list of certified firms that provides such inspection services, or by an organization that the Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services determines to be qualified to produce such report, or, in Industrial Business Incentive Area 2, by a special inspection agency that is registered with the City as established in Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code. Such organization or agency selected by the owner to prepare such report shall have a professional engineer or a registered architect, licensed under the laws of the State of New York, certify the report. Such report shall be in a form provided by the Director of the Department of City Planning, and shall include all of the information required pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this Section, and additional information as set forth in this paragraph (c):
(1) a description of each establishment including the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and number of employees;
(2) the total amount of required industrial use floor area that is vacant, as applicable;
(3) the average annual rent for the portions of the building, in the aggregate, required to be occupied by required industrial uses. However, prior to 36 months from the date of execution of a lease by the first required industrial use tenant in the building, no such figure shall be required to be included in any report due pursuant to this paragraph (c). For all calendar years following the year in which the first average annual rent figure is required to be submitted as part of an annual report, the average annual rent figure reported shall be for the annual average rent for the calendar year two years prior to the year in which the report is due; and
(4) the number of new leases executed during the calendar year, categorized by lease duration, in five year increments from zero to five years, five to 10 years, 10 to 15 years, 15 to 20 years and 20 years or greater.
The report shall be submitted to the Director of the Department of City Planning by any method, including e-mail or other electronic means, acceptable to the Director. The applicable Community Board, Borough President and local City Council member shall be included in such transmission.
Any authorization or special permit granted by the City Planning Commission pursuant to this Chapter shall automatically lapse if substantial construction has not been completed as set forth in Section 11-42 (Lapse of Authorization or Special Permit Granted by the City Planning Commission Pursuant to the 1961 Zoning Resolution). For any renewal of such authorization or special permit, the provisions of Section 11-43 (Renewal of Authorization or Special Permit) shall apply.