Chapter 5 - Special Bay Street Corridor District (BSC)

The City of New York
Eric Adams, Mayor
City Planning Commission
Daniel R. Garodnick, Chair

The “Special Bay Street Corridor District” established in this Resolution is designed to promote and protect public health, safety and general welfare. These general goals include, among others, the following specific purposes:

(a)        to encourage well-designed buildings that complement the built character of the St. George, Stapleton and Tompkinsville neighborhoods;

(b)        to achieve a harmonious visual and functional relationship with the adjacent neighborhoods;

(c)        to maintain and reestablish physical and visual public access to the Stapleton neighborhood and to the waterfront;

(d)        to enhance neighborhood economic diversity by broadening the range of housing choices for residents at varied incomes;

(e)        to provide flexibility to attract new commercial and retail uses and support the existing businesses that define the area;

(f)        to create a livable community combining housing, retail and other uses throughout the district;

(g)        to create a walkable, urban streetscape environment through a mix of ground floor uses that connect the town centers of St. George and Stapleton;

(h)        to create a lively and attractive built environment that will provide daily amenities and services for the use and enjoyment of area residents, workers and visitors;

(i)        to provide flexibility of architectural design within limits established to assure adequate access of light and air to the street, and thus to encourage more attractive and economic building forms; and

(j)        to promote the most desirable use of land in accordance with a well-considered plan and thus conserve the value of land and buildings, and thereby protect the City’s tax revenues.

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply within the Special Bay Street Corridor District. The regulations of all other Chapters of this Resolution are applicable, except as superseded, supplemented or modified by the provisions of this Chapter. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Chapter and other regulations of this Resolution, the provisions of this Chapter shall control.

District maps are located in Appendix A of this Chapter and are hereby incorporated and made an integral part of this Resolution. They are incorporated for the purpose of specifying locations where special regulations and requirements, as set forth in the text of this Chapter, apply.

Map 1 - Special Bay Street Corridor District, Subdistricts and Subareas

Map 2 - Location of Visual Corridors

For transit-adjacent sites, as defined in Section 66-11 (Definitions), in the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Chapter and the provisions of Article VI, Chapter 6 (Special Regulations Applying Around Mass Transit Stations), the provisions of Article VI, Chapter 6 shall control.

In order to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Chapter, six subdistricts are established as follows:

Subdistrict A
Subdistrict B
Subdistrict C
Subdistrict D
Subdistrict E
Subdistrict F

 Within Subdistrict B, subareas are established as follows:

Subarea B1
Subarea B2

 Within Subdistrict D, subareas are established as follows:

Subarea D1
Subarea D2

The location and boundaries of these subdistricts are shown on Map 1 (Special Bay Street Corridor District and Subdistricts) in Appendix A of this Chapter.

Any building containing residences, long-term care facilities or philanthropic or non-profit institutions with sleeping accommodations that is constructed in accordance with the bulk regulations of this Chapter shall be considered a Quality Housing building, and shall comply with the provisions of Article II, Chapter 8 (The Quality Housing Program).

Notwithstanding the general provisions of Section 135-01, in flood zones, in the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Chapter and the provisions of Article VI, Chapter 4 (Special Regulations Applying in Flood Zones), the provisions of Article VI, Chapter 4 shall control.

Notwithstanding the general provisions of Section 135-01, for transit-adjacent sites, as defined in Section 66-11 (Definitions), in the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Chapter and the provisions of Article VI, Chapter 6 (Special Regulations Applying Around Mass Transit Stations), the provisions of Article VI, Chapter 6 shall control.

The underlying ground floor level streetscape provisions set forth in Section 32-30 (STREETSCAPE REGULATIONS), inclusive, shall apply, except that ground floor level street frontages along Bay Street and Prospect Street shall be considered Tier C street frontages, and frontages along remaining streets shall be considered Tier B street frontages

Defined terms in this Section shall include those in Sections 12-10 and 32-301.

135-12

Breweries

Within the Special Bay Street Corridor District, breweries, included under all other beverage manufacturing in Use Group X, shall be permitted in Commercial Districts provided that the size of such brewery does not exceed 30,000 square feet.

In Subdistricts A, B and C, the underlying provisions of Section 32-421 (Limitation on floors occupied by commercial uses) shall be modified as follows:

  1. for mixed buildings where uses listed under Offices in Use Group VII are located on the same story as a dwelling unit, the limitations set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of such Section shall not apply; and
  2. for commercial buildings, the limitation on the number of stories allocated to commercial uses in Use Groups VI through X, as set forth in Section 32-10 (USE ALLOWANCES), inclusive, shall not apply, except to breweries permitted pursuant to Section 135-12.

The underlying floor area, yard, street wall location and height and setback regulations are modified by the provisions of this Section.

The underlying floor area regulations are modified by the provisions of this Section. For the purpose of this Section, defined terms include those set forth in Sections 12-10 and 23-911.

The table below sets forth the maximum floor area ratio of a zoning lot for each Subdistrict. Column 1 sets forth the maximum floor area ratio for commercial uses other than offices, as listed in Use Group VI, and Column 2 sets forth the maximum floor area ratio for offices listed in Use Group VII. Column 3 sets forth the maximum floor area ratio for residences, other than MIH sites and affordable independent residences for seniors, that are subject to the provisions of paragraph (d)(4)(i) or (d)(4)(iii) of Section 23-154 (Inclusionary Housing). Column 4 sets forth the maximum residential floor area ratio for MIH sites where either affordable floor area is provided in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (d)(3)(i) through (d)(3)(iv) or paragraph (d)(5) of Section 23-154, or where a contribution to the affordable housing fund is made in accordance with paragraph (d)(3)(v) of such Section. Column 4 also sets forth the maximum floor area ratio for community facility uses, other than long-term care facilities. Column 5 sets forth the maximum floor area ratio for zoning lots containing affordable independent residences for seniors or long-term care facilities.

For zoning lots with buildings containing multiple uses or for zoning lots with multiple buildings containing different uses, the maximum floor area ratio for each use shall be as set forth in the table, and the maximum floor area ratio for the zoning lot shall not exceed the greatest floor area ratio permitted for any such use on the zoning lot.

 

MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA RATIO

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Column 5

Subdistrict, or Subarea, as applicable

For commercial uses other than offices

For offices

For residences other than MIH sites and affordable independent residences for seniors

For MIH sites and community facility uses other than long-term care facilities

For affordable independent residences for seniors or long-term care facilities

A

2.0

4.0

3.6

4.0

4.6

B

2.0

3.6

3.0

3.6

3.9

C

2.0

3.0

2.5

3.0

3.25

D1

2.0

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.25

D2

2.0

2.0

2.25

2.75

3.0

E

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.2

2.2

F 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.6 3.9

The underlying lot coverage regulations are modified by the provisions of this Section.

The maximum residential lot coverage for interior lots or through lots shall be 65 percent, and the maximum residential lot coverage for corner lots shall be 100 percent.

The underlying yard regulations are modified by the provisions of this Section.

In Subdistrict A, no rear yard or rear yard equivalent need be provided for commercial buildings, community facility buildings, or the portion of a mixed building containing commercial or community facility uses.

The underlying street wall location provisions are modified by the provisions of this Section.

  1. Along Bay Street or Prospect Street

    Along Bay Street or Prospect Street, and along streets within 50 feet of their intersection with Bay Street, the following street wall regulations shall apply:
    1. At least 70 percent of the aggregate width of street walls of a building shall be located within eight feet of the street line, and shall rise without setback up to at least the minimum base height specified in Section 135-25 (Special Height and Setback Regulations), or the height of the building, whichever is lower. Pursuant to Section 135-31 (Special Visual Corridor Requirements), required visual corridors shall be considered streets.
    2. A minimum of 20 percent of the surface area of such street walls above the level of the first story shall be recessed a minimum of three feet. In addition, up to 30 percent of such street wall may be recessed at any level, provided that any recesses deeper than 10 feet are located within an outer court. Furthermore, no recesses greater than three feet shall be permitted within 30 feet of the intersection of two street lines.
  2. Along Van Duzer Street

    Along Van Duzer Street, and along streets within 50 feet of their intersection with Van Duzer Street, the underlying street wall location regulations shall apply.
  3. Along all other streets

    Along all streets that are not subject to paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Section, at least 50 percent of the aggregate width of street walls shall be located within 15 feet of the street line. The remaining aggregate width of street walls may be recessed beyond 15 feet of the street line, provided that any such recesses deeper than 10 feet are located within an outer court. Where the street wall of a building, or an individual segment thereof, exceeds the maximum base height established in Section 135-25, such street wall shall rise without setback to at least the minimum base height specified in Section 135-25.

The underlying allowances for street wall articulation, set forth in paragraph (d) of Section 23-661 or paragraph (e) of Section 35-651, as applicable, shall be permitted to project or recess beyond the street wall locations established in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section.


 

The underlying height and setback provisions are modified by the provisions of this Section.

Pursuant to Section 135-31 (Special Visual Corridor Requirements), required visual corridors shall be considered streets. Such visual corridors shall be considered wide streets for the purposes of applying the height and setback regulations of this Section.

(a)        Base heights and maximum building heights

The table below sets forth the minimum and maximum base height, the maximum transition height, where applicable, the maximum height of a building or other structure and the maximum number of stories for buildings in the Special Bay Street Corridor District.

In all subdistricts, a setback is required for all portions of buildings or other structures that exceed the maximum base height specified for the subdistrict, and shall be provided in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section.

In Subdistrict A and Subarea B1, any portion of a building or other structure located above the maximum transition height, and in Subarea B2 and Subdistrict C, any portion of a building or other structure located above the maximum base height, shall be subject to the maximum street wall width restrictions set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section.

 

MAXIMUM BASE HEIGHTS AND MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHTS

Subdistrict or Subarea, as applicable

Minimum Base Height (in feet)

Maximum Base Height (in feet)

Maximum Transition Height (in feet)

Maximum Height of Buildings or Other Structures in Certain Locations (in feet)

Maximum Number of Stories

A

40

65

85

125

12

B1

40

65

85

125

12

B2

40

65

N/A

125

12

C

40

65

N/A

85

8

D1

40

65

N/A

75

7

D2

40

65

N/A

65

6

E

30

45

N/A

55

5

F 40 65 N/A 85 8

(b)        Required setbacks

At a height not lower than the minimum base height or higher than the maximum base height specified for the subdistrict in the table in paragraph (a), a setback with a depth of at least 15 feet shall be provided from any street wall fronting on a narrow street, and a setback with a depth of at least 10 feet shall be provided from any street wall fronting on a wide street.

In addition, the underlying provisions of paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(4) of Section 23-662 (Maximum height of buildings and setback regulations) shall apply to such setbacks.

(c)        Maximum street wall width in Subdistricts A, B and C

In Subdistricts A, B and C, the maximum building height set forth in the table in paragraph (a) shall only be permitted within 100 feet of streets intersecting Bay Street. In addition, in Subdistrict A and Subarea B2, such maximum building height shall be permitted beyond 100 feet of streets intersecting Bay Street, provided that the maximum street wall width above the maximum base height does not exceed 100 feet.

In all such Subdistricts, at least 60 feet of separation shall exist between any portions of buildings located above such maximum transition height, or maximum base height, as applicable.

(d)        Dormer provisions

The underlying dormer provisions of paragraph (c) of Section 23-623 (Permitted obstructions in certain districts) shall apply, except that no dormer shall be permitted above a height of 85 feet, or above the maximum height of the building or other structure permitted in paragraph (a) of this Section, whichever is less.

Within the Special Bay Street Corridor District, visual corridors shall be provided east of Bay Street, prolonging Swan Street, Clinton Street, and Grant Street, as shown on Map 2 in the Appendix to this Chapter. The location of the visual corridor prolonging Grant Street may be located anywhere within the flexible location designated on Map 2.

(a)        General Requirements


The boundaries of visual corridors shall be considered street lines for the purposes of applying the use, bulk and parking provisions of this Resolution, except that such portion of the zoning lot:

(1)        shall continue to generate floor area ;

(2)        may be included for the purposes of calculating lot coverage ; and

(3)        shall be permitted to accommodate open, unscreened, tandem (one behind the other) accessory off-street parking spaces, provided that any such parking spaces are provided in accordance with DOT standards for on-street parking.


Such visual corridors shall be a minimum of 60 feet wide and shall be improved in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section

(b)        Required improvements


All required visual corridors shall be improved as follows:

(1)        Where a visual corridor is utilized to provide access to accessory off-street parking, such visual corridor shall be improved to the minimum Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for public streets, from its intersection with Bay Street to at least the curb cut provided to such accessory off-street parking, or as deep as necessary to accommodate any parking located on the visual corridor, as applicable. Any remaining portion of the visual corridor may be improved in accordance with the standards in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this Section.

(2)        Where a visual corridor does not provide access to accessory off-street parking, such visual corridors, may either:

(i)        be improved to the minimum DOT standards for public streets; or

(ii)        be improved to provide an open area, as follows:

(a)        a minimum of 20 percent of the open area shall be planted with any combination of perennials, annuals, decorative grasses, shrubs or trees in planting beds, raised planting beds or planter boxes. Such planting bed shall extend to a depth of at least three feet, inclusive of any structure containing the planted material, and any individual planted area shall have a width of at least five feet;

(b)        the remainder of the open area, as applicable, may contain any combination of:

(1)        streetscape amenities including, but not limited to, benches or tables and chairs;

(2)        entertainment amenities including, but not limited to, water features, playgrounds, dog runs, game tables, courts or skateboard parks;

(3)        unenclosed eating or drinking establishments; or

(4)        streetscape-enhancing amenities including, but not limited to, lighting or sculptural artwork.

(c)        In no event shall fencing be permitted in any open area of the visual corridor, except along the portion of a lot line adjacent to a railroad right-of-way.

In mixed buildings, the underlying parking requirements shall apply, except that for the purposes of determining the parking requirement for commercial uses other than uses listed under Offices in Use Group VII, the equivalent of 0.5 floor area ratio, or the amount of non-office commercial floor area in the building, whichever is less, may be deducted from the floor area used to determine such commercial parking calculation.

The underlying residential parking waivers shall apply only to zoning lots existing both on June 26, 2019, and on the date of application for a building permit.

All accessory off-street parking spaces may be provided within public parking garages. Such spaces may also be provided within parking facilities on zoning lots other than the same zoning lot as the use to which they are accessory, provided:

(a)        such parking facilities are located either:

(1)        within the Special Bay Street Corridor District; or

(2)        outside the Special Bay Street Corridor District, subject to the underlying provisions for off-site parking spaces set forth in Sections 25-52 (Off-site Spaces for Residences), 25-53 (Off-site Spaces for Permitted Non-residential Uses), 36-42 (Off-site Spaces for Residences) or 36-43 (Off-site Spaces for Commercial or Community Facility Uses), as applicable;

(b)        each off-street parking space within such facility is counted only once in meeting the parking requirements for a specific zoning lot; and

(c)        in no event shall the number of accessory parking spaces within such facility exceed that permitted in accordance with the underlying regulations.

For the purposes of applying the underlying loading regulations, the requirements for C2 Districts mapped within an R7 District shall apply to all Commercial Districts in the Special Bay Street Corridor District.

For zoning lots existing on June 26, 2019, with frontage along Bay Street and along another street frontage, no curb cut accessing off-street parking spaces or loading spaces shall be permitted along Bay Street.

Appendix A

SPECIAL BAY STREET CORRIDOR DISTRICT

Map 1 – Special Bay Street Corridor District, Subdistricts and Subareas

ARTICLE XIII, Chapter 5, Appendix A, Map 1 (Special Bay Street Corridor District, Subdistricts and Subareas) adopted by <a class='sec-link-inline' target='_blank' href='/article-liv/chapter-1#541-545'><span>541-545</span></a> Bay Street (N 220392 ZRR), 20th December, 2023

Map 2 – Location of visual corridors

Article XIII, Chapter 5, Appendix A, Map 2 (Location of visual corridors) per <a class='sec-link-inline' target='_blank' href='/article-liv/chapter-1#541-545'><span>541-545</span></a> Bay Street (N 220392 ZRR), amended 20th December, 2023
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