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What is NYC ZR § 64-521?

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This section outlines the streetscape mitigation options applicable to all buildings, including surface and linear treatments for blank walls. It specifies requirements for raised front yards and terraced planting areas in residential districts. Applies to building owners implementing streetscape improvements.

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

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§ 64-521 Options available for all buildings

ZR § 64-521

The streetscape mitigations options of this Section may be applied to all buildings. Where provided as a required streetscape mitigation element, the following shall apply:

Surface treatment(one point)Surface treatment shall be provided for blank walls in the form of wall treatment, surface texture, or any combination thereof, pursuant to the provisions set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of Section 37-362 (Mitigation elements).If the level of the first story above flood elevation is greater than 10 feet, surface treatment shall only be required to a height of 10 feet above the level of the adjoining sidewalk.

Linear treatment(one or, where noted, two points)Linear treatment shall be provided for blank walls in the form of planting, pursuant to the provisions set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of Section 37-362, pursuant to one of the following options below, or any combination thereof. Where the options of this Section are utilized, the percentage requirement associated with the applicable type of blank wall set forth in Section 37-36 (Special Requirements for Blank Walls) shall not apply. Raised front yards and open spaceFor residential buildings in Residence Districts where the distance between the street wall and the street line is 10 feet or more, the grade between the street line and blank walls, and their prolongations, shall be elevated above the level of the adjoining sidewalk so that the height of such grade that is midway between the street line and blank walls and prolongations is at least 18 inches above curb level at all points, except for pedestrian ways, vehicular access and off-street parking spaces permitted pursuant to 64-40 (SPECIAL PARKING REGULATIONS). The area with final grade above the level of the adjoining sidewalk shall be greater than 30 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations.Raised front yards and open spaces shall be planted in accordance with applicable planting requirements in this Resolution.This option shall satisfy two points if the area with final grade above curb level is greater than 50 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations. Terraced front yards and open spacesFor residential buildings in Residence Districts, terraced planting areas shall be provided. The retaining walls of such areas shall not be less than an average height of three feet and exceed an average height of six feet, as measured from the level of the adjoining sidewalk below such wall, and the retaining wall closest to the street line shall not exceed a height of three feet. The area with the retaining walls shall be greater than 30 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations. Planting shall also be provided for at least 50 percent of the linear footage above and below the retaining walls, through a combination of perennials, annual flowers, decorative grasses or shrubs. ​​​​​​​This option shall satisfy two points if the area with the retaining walls is greater than 50 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations.

Raised front yards and open spaceFor residential buildings in Residence Districts where the distance between the street wall and the street line is 10 feet or more, the grade between the street line and blank walls, and their prolongations, shall be elevated above the level of the adjoining sidewalk so that the height of such grade that is midway between the street line and blank walls and prolongations is at least 18 inches above curb level at all points, except for pedestrian ways, vehicular access and off-street parking spaces permitted pursuant to 64-40 (SPECIAL PARKING REGULATIONS). The area with final grade above the level of the adjoining sidewalk shall be greater than 30 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations.Raised front yards and open spaces shall be planted in accordance with applicable planting requirements in this Resolution.This option shall satisfy two points if the area with final grade above curb level is greater than 50 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations.

Terraced front yards and open spacesFor residential buildings in Residence Districts, terraced planting areas shall be provided. The retaining walls of such areas shall not be less than an average height of three feet and exceed an average height of six feet, as measured from the level of the adjoining sidewalk below such wall, and the retaining wall closest to the street line shall not exceed a height of three feet. The area with the retaining walls shall be greater than 30 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations. Planting shall also be provided for at least 50 percent of the linear footage above and below the retaining walls, through a combination of perennials, annual flowers, decorative grasses or shrubs. ​​​​​​​This option shall satisfy two points if the area with the retaining walls is greater than 50 percent of the total area between the street line and blank walls and their prolongations.

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