Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

What is NYC ZR § 25-65?

Quick Answer

This section mandates that open off-street parking areas or garages with 10 or more spaces be screened from adjoining zoning lots, with specific requirements for landscaping or barriers based on district type. The statute applies to property owners with parking facilities in designated zoning districts.

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

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →

§ 25-65 Screening

ZR § 25-65

R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12

(a)In all districts, as indicated, except where such districts are located in lower density growth management areas, all open off-street parking areas or groups of individual garages with 10 spaces or more, that are located either at natural grade or on a roof, shall be screened from all adjoining zoning lots, including such zoning lots situated across a street, by either:

(1)a strip at least four feet wide, densely planted with shrubs or trees that are at least four feet high at the time of planting and that are of a type which may be expected to form a year-round dense screen at least six feet high within three years; or

(2)a wall or barrier or uniformly painted fence of fire-resistant material at least six feet high, but not more than eight feet above finished grade (or above the roof level, if on a roof). Such wall, barrier or fence may be opaque or perforated, provided that not more than 50 percent of the face is open. For community facilities located in R1, R2, R3, R4 or R5 Districts, except for any parking that is located on a roof, all such parking shall be screened pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this Section. In addition, such screening shall be maintained in good condition at all times, may be interrupted by normal entrances or exits and shall have no signs hung or attached thereto other than those permitted in Section 22-323 (Signs for parking areas).

(b)In lower density growth management areas, all open parking areas with five or more spaces shall be screened from adjoining zoning lots by a landscaped strip at least four feet wide densely planted with evergreen shrubs at least four feet high at time of planting, and of a type that may be expected to form a year-round dense screen at least six feet high within three years. Such screening shall be maintained in good condition at all times.

The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section shall not apply at the street line of zoning lots where the planting requirements of Section 37-921 (Perimeter landscaping) apply.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Have a matter that touches § 25-65?

Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters