The three amendments aim to remove unnecessary restrictions that limit housing, economic development and sustainability. On October 17, 2022, the Department of City Planning will host an information session regarding the proposed “City of Yes” zoning text amendments. The “City of Yes” amendments, announced in June, aim to resolve obstacles that prevent the creation of more housing, remove certain zoning limitations to encourage economic growth, and support sustainability.
Earlier this summer, CityLand published a series of articles regarding the three proposed text amendments. While the Department of City Planning has yet to release a draft of the text of the amendment, the agency has updated its website recently with some more information.
The Zoning for Zero Carbon amendment would amend zoning regulations that place restrictions on the placement of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and limits on the amount of rooftop that can be used for solar panels, and increases energy efficiency requirements. For more information from the City’s webpage, click here.
The Zoning for Economic Opportunity amendment will remove restrictions and limitations on what types of business are allowed in commercial districts; removing restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants in line with the City’s 2017 repeal of the Cabaret Law; support for the reuse of existing buildings for other purposes; and provide more flexibility for small-scale production spaces among other things. For more information from the City’s webpage, click here.
The Zoning for Housing Opportunity amendment will address the City’s housing shortage. The proposed amendment will increase opportunities to use different housing models, including two-family houses, accessory dwelling units, small apartment buildings, and shared housing models. The amendment will also expand opportunities to build affordable and supportive housing and reduce certain parking requirements. The amendment will also make it easier to convert obsolete buildings into housing and make it easier for home and property owners to alter and update their buildings. For more information from the City’s webpage, click here.
The information session on the 17th will run from 7:00 PM to approximately 8:30 PM. To watch the hearing, visit the Department of City Planning’s YouTube page here. To participate by asking questions, join via videoconference here or by phone at the following numbers:
- 877-853-5247 (Toll-free)
- 888-788-0099 (Toll-free)
- 213-338-8477 (Toll)
- 253-215-8782 (Toll)
The meeting ID is 864 6760 2082. The passcode is 1. Interpreters will be available for American Sign Language, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. More information about the hearing can be found on the NYC Engage page.
CityLand will continue to provide updates regarding the “City of Yes” proposed amendments.
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the CityLaw fellow and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018).