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What is NYC ZR § 73-651?

Quick Answer

This section allows the Board of Standards and Appeals to permit modifications to bulk regulations for enlargements of public utility facilities, such as substations and pumping stations, under specific conditions. It applies to utility providers seeking to expand facilities to meet increased service demand while minimizing public inconvenience.

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

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§ 73-651 Enlargement of public utility facilities

ZR § 73-651

The Board of Standards and Appeals may permit modifications to the bulk regulations for certain enlargements of public utility facilities set forth in paragraph (a) of this Section, provided that the findings set forth in paragraph (b) are met.

The Board may permit enlargements which do not comply with the applicable district bulk regulations for buildings or other structures existing on December 15, 1961, within which any one of the following public utilities is located: Electric or gas utility substations; Telephone exchanges or other communications equipment structures; Water or sewage pumping stations; orEnergy infrastructure equipment.

In order to grant such permit, the Board shall find: that the growth of the utility service demand in the area served by the building or other structure requires such enlargement to house the additional facilities needed to fulfill the demand; that the network of lines, pipes or other distribution facilities located below the surface of the streets is so integrated with the operations carried on within such building that the provision of such additional facilities at another location would cause substantial duplication of plant and facilities and inconvenience to the public; and that non-compliance, if any, with the applicable yard or height and setback regulations is the minimum made necessary by essential engineering requirements.

that the growth of the utility service demand in the area served by the building or other structure requires such enlargement to house the additional facilities needed to fulfill the demand;

that the network of lines, pipes or other distribution facilities located below the surface of the streets is so integrated with the operations carried on within such building that the provision of such additional facilities at another location would cause substantial duplication of plant and facilities and inconvenience to the public; and

that non-compliance, if any, with the applicable yard or height and setback regulations is the minimum made necessary by essential engineering requirements.

The Board may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area and shall require that the certificate of occupancy shall be limited to such use.

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