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What is NYC ZR § 33-456?

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This section outlines alternate setback regulations for towers on zoning lots bounded by two or more streets in specified commercial districts. It details the required setbacks based on street width and floor area ratios, ensuring minimum distances from street lines. Applies to property owners developing in designated commercial districts.

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

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§ 33-456 Alternate setback regulations on lots bounded by two or more streets

ZR § 33-456

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In the districts indicated, except as otherwise set forth in Section 33-457 (Tower setbacks on narrow blocks), if a zoning lot is bounded by at least two street lines, a tower occupying not more than the percent of lot area set forth in Section 33-451 (In certain specified Commercial Districts) or 33-454 (Towers on small lots), may be set back from a street line as follows:

(a)On narrow streets, by a distance equal to at least the fraction of the aggregate width of street walls of the tower, the numerator of which fraction is one and the denominator of which fraction is the sum of 3.0 plus .0333 for each .10 by which the floor area ratio of the zoning lot is less than the floor area ratio permitted under the provisions of Section 33-12, 33-13 or 33-14, provided that such fraction shall be no less than one-fifth, and provided further that such setback need not exceed 45 feet.

(b)On wide streets, by a distance equal to at least the fraction of the aggregate width of street walls of the tower, the numerator of which fraction is one and the denominator of which fraction is the sum of 4.0 plus .05 for each .10 by which the floor area ratio of the zoning lot is less than the floor area ratio permitted under the provisions of Sections 33-12 (Maximum Floor Area Ratio), 33-13 (Floor Area Bonus for a Public Plaza) or 33-14 (Floor Area Bonus for Arcades), provided that such fraction shall be no less than one-seventh, and provided further that such setback need not exceed 35 feet.

(c)Notwithstanding any other provisions set forth in this Section, no tower built under the provisions of this Section shall be set back less than 25 feet from the street line on narrow streets or less than 15 feet from the street line on wide streets.

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