NYC Zoning Gets a Refresh with City of Yes

Under the Adams Administration, NYC’s Department of Planning (DCP) is updating the city’s zoning regulations “to support small businesses, create affordable housing, and promote sustainability.” These “City of Yes” initiatives fit into three categories: carbon neutrality, economic opportunity, and housing opportunity.

City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality
The first of the three zoning text amendments—the City of Yes Carbon Neutrality zoning text—was approved by the City Planning Commission on September 11, 2023.  As the city aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the new zoning regulations aim to make it easier to invest in green city infrastructure. These changes include making it easier for building owners to add rooftop solar panels; removing obstacles to clean, efficient building construction and renovation methods; allowing more electric vehicle charging stations on the street; and minimizing landfill waste and stormwater processing.

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity
The formal public review of the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposed zoning changes will begin on October 2, 2023. To spur the arrival and growth of local businesses, these initiatives would remove outdated limitations on businesses. These would include making it easier for small-scale producers to expand their businesses; removing rules that restrict dancing at bars and restaurants; making it easier for buildings to provide new or growing businesses with space; creating clearer and more consistent design regulations for commercial ground floors; and creating new zoning districts for job centers.

City of Yes for Housing Opportunity
In September 2023, DCP hosted a remote public information session about this set of initiatives. The agency will conduct an environmental review throughout the fall and winter, followed by a formal public review process in Spring 2024. Learn more about the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity here, or register to attend a remote public info session tonight, September 27, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Photo Credit: NYC Planning