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What is NYC ZR § 81-141?

Quick Answer

This section outlines special sign regulations for the Fifth Avenue Subdistrict, including restrictions on sign placement and size for buildings. The City Planning Commission has the authority to modify certain requirements for specific districts and landmarked properties. Applies to building owners in the Fifth Avenue Subdistrict.

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

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§ 81-141 Special sign regulations

ZR § 81-141

(a)For all existing and new uses in the Fifth Avenue Subdistrict, signs shall not be permitted on the exterior of any building below a level of 10 feet above curb level. The aggregate surface area of all signs in ground floor windows is restricted to not more than one-third of the window area.Any sign that does not comply with the provisions of this paragraph, (a), shall be terminated, except that a sign which the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission certifies is an integral part of the building, shall not be required to terminate.

(b)In a C5-3 District within the Fifth Avenue Subdistrict, the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission may, by certification, modify the requirements of Section 32-655 (Height of signs in all other Commercial Districts), to allow a single non-illuminated sign per building, other than an advertising sign, to be located at a height between 25 and 50 feet above curb level, provided that the permitted sign shall:

(1)be limited to one name and/or address of the building or the name of an establishment located therein, consisting only of individual letters and/or numbers not exceeding 18 inches in height;

(2)not be within a frame, a border, or any kind of background other than the building facade;

(3)not project more than three inches from the facade of the building; and

(4)not exceed 25 square feet in aggregate surface area.

(c)On any zoning lot occupied by a landmark designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission which lies partially or wholly within the Fifth Avenue Subdistrict, the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission may, by certification, modify the applicable sign regulations of Section 32-60 to permit illuminated signs on the open area of the zoning lot, provided that such signs shall:

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