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What is NYC ZR § 37-361?

Quick Answer

This section outlines the height, width, and coverage requirements for blank walls in New York City, specifying different types based on width and mitigation elements. It details the calculation of blank wall surfaces and the necessary visual mitigation for compliance. Applies to building owners with blank wall surfaces on their properties.

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

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§ 37-361 Blank wall thresholds

ZR § 37-361

The height and width of blank walls and the applicable percent coverage of mitigation elements are set forth in this Section. Blank wall surfaces shall be calculated on the ground floor level street wall except in the flood zone, blank wall surfaces shall be calculated between the level of the adjoining sidewalk and the level of the first story above the flood elevation as defined in Section 64-11 (Definitions).

The different types of blank walls are established below and the type of blank wall that applies is determined by the provisions of each applicable Section.

(a)Type 1

Where Type 1 blank wall provisions apply, a “blank wall” shall be a street wall, or portions thereof, where no transparent materials or entrances or exits are provided below a height of four feet above the level of the adjoining sidewalk, or grade, as applicable, for a continuous width of at least 50 feet.

For such blank walls, at least 70 percent of the surface or linear footage of the blank wall, as applicable, shall be covered by one or more of the options described in Section 37-362 (Mitigation elements).

The maximum width of a portion of such blank wall without visual mitigation elements shall not exceed 10 feet. In addition, where such blank wall exceeds a street wall width of 50 feet, such rules shall be applied separately for each 50-foot interval.

(b)Type 2

Where Type 2 blank wall provisions apply, a “blank wall” shall be a street wall, or portions thereof, where no transparent materials or entrances or exits are provided below a height of four feet above the level of the adjoining sidewalk, or grade, as applicable, for a continuous width of at least 25 feet.

For such blank walls, at least 70 percent of the surface or linear footage of the blank wall, as applicable, shall be covered by one or more of the options described in Section 37-362. In addition, where such blank wall exceeds a street wall width of 50 feet, such rules shall be applied separately for each 50-foot interval.

(c)Type 3 or Type 4

Where Type 3 or Type 4 blank wall provisions apply, a “blank wall” shall be a street wall, or portions thereof, where no transparent materials or entrances or exits are provided below a height of four feet above the level of the adjoining sidewalk, or grade, as applicable, for a continuous width of at least 15 feet for Type 3 or for a continuous width of at least five feet for Type 4.

For such blank walls, at least 70 percent of the surface or linear footage of the blank wall, as applicable, shall be covered by one or more of the options described in Section 37-362. In addition, where such blank wall exceeds a street wall width of 25 feet, such rules shall be applied separately for each 25-foot interval.

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