New York • US zoning

    New York City zoning guide

    An introduction to NYC Zoning Resolution, selected zoning districts, overlays and the review process in New York City. Confirm the current zoning designation and applicable provisions for the parcel.

    Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.

    Official ordinance and source-check scope

    R6A and R6B residential FAR examples checked against Section 23-22. Other district descriptions, height, overlays and discretionary-review requirements have not been comprehensively verified. Checked 2026-09-11.

    NYC Zoning Resolution

    NYC Zoning Resolution §23-22 — R6–R12 floor-area table and footnotes

    Before applying a number to a parcel

    Confirm the current mapped district, lot geometry, permitted use, qualifying housing category, special districts and overlays. A listed FAR example is not a buildable floor-area calculation. Height, setbacks, exclusions, bonuses and other controls require their own checks.

    Selected district references

    CodeDistrict referenceFAR source exampleHeightReview limits
    R1Low-density residential 1Check current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    R3-2Lower density residentialCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    R6AContextual residential3.00 standard; 3.90 qualifying affordable or senior housingCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsSection 23-22 example only; definitions, other bulk rules and special-district provisions still apply. FAR source checked 2026-09-11.
    R6BContextual residential2.00 standard; 2.40 qualifying affordable or senior housingCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsDo not substitute an R6A or general R6 standard for R6B. FAR source checked 2026-09-11.
    R8Higher density residentialCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    R10Highest density residentialCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    C1Local commercial overlayCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    C6Central commercialCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    M1Light manufacturingCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    M2Medium manufacturingCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.
    M3Heavy manufacturingCheck current code; no verified value hereCheck mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptionsConfirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source.

    Overlay and approval questions

    • Does a special district, historic designation, shoreline or flood rule apply?
    • Which discretionary approvals or project-specific streamlining criteria must be satisfied?
    • Are state or federal provisions relevant, and what conditions or exclusions do they impose?

    Review-process context

    Confirm the approval route for the proposed action with City Planning or the responsible agency. The FAR source check on this page does not establish as-of-right status or whether ULURP, another discretionary approval, or a building permit is required.

    Questions

    What zoning ordinance applies in New York City?

    NYC Zoning Resolution

    How does the review process work in New York City?

    Confirm the approval route for the proposed action with City Planning or the responsible agency. The FAR source check on this page does not establish as-of-right status or whether ULURP, another discretionary approval, or a building permit is required.

    Explore a site in New York City

    Start with the parcel location and inspect the available site context. Confirm zoning and development requirements with the responsible local authority.

    Explore site analysis

    Review current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.

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