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What is NYC ZR § 74-744?

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This section allows the City Planning Commission to modify use regulations for large-scale developments in specific districts, including automotive sales and service establishments and certain retail uses. Modifications are contingent on findings related to traffic impact and compatibility with surrounding areas. Applies to developers and property operators in designated districts.

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§ 74-744 Modification of use regulations

ZR § 74-744

Use modifications Automotive sales and service uses For large-scale general developments, previously approved by the Commission, in a C4-7 District within the boundaries of Manhattan Community District 7, Commission may modify applicable district regulations to allow automotive sales and service establishments that include repair services and preparation for delivery, provided the Commission shall find that: the portion of the establishment used for the servicing and preparation of automobiles is located entirely in a cellar level and below grade or established curb level, and the ground floor level of such establishment is used only for showrooms and sales; sufficient indoor space for storage of vehicles for sale or service has been provided; and such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic or adversely affect pedestrian movement. Retail establishments For a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, the Commission may modify applicable district regulations to allow uses listed under Use Groups VI, VIII or X that would be permitted in a C6 District, except for arenas or auditoriums, trade expositions and stadiums, provided the Commission finds that: such uses will not impair the character of future uses or development of the surrounding area; and the streets providing access to such uses will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby.

Automotive sales and service uses For large-scale general developments, previously approved by the Commission, in a C4-7 District within the boundaries of Manhattan Community District 7, Commission may modify applicable district regulations to allow automotive sales and service establishments that include repair services and preparation for delivery, provided the Commission shall find that: the portion of the establishment used for the servicing and preparation of automobiles is located entirely in a cellar level and below grade or established curb level, and the ground floor level of such establishment is used only for showrooms and sales; sufficient indoor space for storage of vehicles for sale or service has been provided; and such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic or adversely affect pedestrian movement.

the portion of the establishment used for the servicing and preparation of automobiles is located entirely in a cellar level and below grade or established curb level, and the ground floor level of such establishment is used only for showrooms and sales;

sufficient indoor space for storage of vehicles for sale or service has been provided; and

such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic or adversely affect pedestrian movement.

Retail establishments For a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, the Commission may modify applicable district regulations to allow uses listed under Use Groups VI, VIII or X that would be permitted in a C6 District, except for arenas or auditoriums, trade expositions and stadiums, provided the Commission finds that: such uses will not impair the character of future uses or development of the surrounding area; and the streets providing access to such uses will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby.

such uses will not impair the character of future uses or development of the surrounding area; and

the streets providing access to such uses will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby.

Modifications of sign regulations In all Commercial or Manufacturing Districts, the Commission may, for developments or enlargements subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(3) of Section 74-743 (Special provisions for bulk modification), permit the modification of the applicable provisions of Sections 32-64 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), 32-65 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), 32-66 (Additional Regulations for Signs Near Certain Parks and Designated Arterial Highways), 42-63 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), 42-64 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), 42-65 (Additional Regulations for Signs Near Certain Parks and Designated Arterial Highways) and the limitations on the location of signs in Sections 32-43 and 42-53 (Limitations on Business Entrances, Show Windows or Signs), provided the Commission finds that such modification will result in a better site plan. For a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, the Commission, by authorization, may make the sign regulations of a C6-1 District applicable to those portions of such large-scale general development within a C2 District, and in addition, may modify the provisions of Section 32-68 (Permitted Signs on Residential or Mixed Buildings) to allow signs accessory to non-residential uses above the level of the finished floor of the third story, provided such signs do not exceed a height of 40 feet above curb level. In order to grant such authorizations, the Commission shall find that such modifications are consistent with the amount, type and location of commercial uses that the Commission finds appropriate within such large-scale general development.

In all Commercial or Manufacturing Districts, the Commission may, for developments or enlargements subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(3) of Section 74-743 (Special provisions for bulk modification), permit the modification of the applicable provisions of Sections 32-64 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), 32-65 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), 32-66 (Additional Regulations for Signs Near Certain Parks and Designated Arterial Highways), 42-63 (Surface Area and Illumination Provisions), 42-64 (Permitted Projection or Height of Signs), 42-65 (Additional Regulations for Signs Near Certain Parks and Designated Arterial Highways) and the limitations on the location of signs in Sections 32-43 and 42-53 (Limitations on Business Entrances, Show Windows or Signs), provided the Commission finds that such modification will result in a better site plan.

For a large-scale general development located partially or wholly within the former Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area, the Commission, by authorization, may make the sign regulations of a C6-1 District applicable to those portions of such large-scale general development within a C2 District, and in addition, may modify the provisions of Section 32-68 (Permitted Signs on Residential or Mixed Buildings) to allow signs accessory to non-residential uses above the level of the finished floor of the third story, provided such signs do not exceed a height of 40 feet above curb level. In order to grant such authorizations, the Commission shall find that such modifications are consistent with the amount, type and location of commercial uses that the Commission finds appropriate within such large-scale general development.

The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the development.

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