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What is NYC ZR § 23-353?

Quick Answer

This section outlines the regulations for outer courts in specified districts, detailing requirements for width, depth, and area based on the presence of legally required windows and building height. The Department of Buildings enforces these regulations. Applies to building owners and property operators involved in construction and design.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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§ 23-353 Outer court regulations

ZR § 23-353

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In the districts indicated, the following outer court regulations shall apply:

where legally required windows face onto an outer court, the width of such outer court shall be at least equal to the depth of such outer court, except that an outer court may extend to any depth where the width of the outer court is 20 feet or more in buildings or portions thereof, at or below a height of 75 feet, or where the width of the outer court is 30 feet or more above a height of 75 feet, where permitted;

where no legally required windows face onto an outer court, for buildings or portions thereof at or below a height of 75 feet, the area of such small outer court shall not be less than 200 square feet and no dimension shall be less than 10 feet, and above a height of 75 feet, where permitted, the area of such small outer court shall not be less than 300 square feet and no dimension shall be less than 15 feet; and

the width of an outer court recess shall be at least equal to the depth of the outer court recess, except where such width permits any depth for an outer court, relative to the height.

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