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What is NYC ZR § 37-712?

Quick Answer

This section establishes the minimum area requirements for public plazas, specifying that they must be at least 2,000 square feet. It outlines conditions for adjacent open areas and their separation from public plazas. Applies to property owners involved in zoning and public space development.

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

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§ 37-712 Area dimensions

ZR § 37-712

A public plaza shall contain an area of not less than 2,000 square feet. In no case shall spaces between existing buildings remaining on the zoning lot qualify as public plazas. In addition, in order to preserve the provisions relating to the boundaries, proportions and obstructions of public plazas, on any one zoning lot, an open area which does not qualify for bonus floor area may not be located between two public plazas, or between a public plaza and a building wall or arcade.

Any non-bonused open area located adjacent to a public plaza, other than an open area bounding a street line used for pedestrian access, must either:

(a)be separated from the public plaza by a buffer, such as a wall, decorative fence, or opaque plantings at least six feet in height; or

(b)meet all requirements for minor portions of public plazas related to size, configuration, orientation, as specified in Section 37-716.

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