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What is NYC ZR § 81-262?

Quick Answer

This section establishes the maximum height of the front wall of a building at the street line, varying based on street width. For streets 60 feet wide or less, the height is limited to 90 feet, while wider streets allow heights of up to 150 feet. Applies to building owners constructing on corner lots with varying street widths.

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

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§ 81-262 Maximum height of front wall at the street line

ZR § 81-262

(a)General provisionsThe front wall of a building at the street line shall not exceed the height limit applying along the street on which it fronts. Maximum front wall heights at the street line vary with the width of the street on which the wall fronts, as follows:

Street Width

(in feet)

Maximum Front Wall Height at Street Line (in feet)

60 or less

90

75 or 80

120

100 or more

150

(b)Special provisions for corner lotsFor a corner lot with frontage on streets of different widths, the maximum front wall height at the street line of the narrower street may be increased above that indicated in paragraph (a) in accordance with either one of the following rules:Rule 1:The maximum front wall height at the street line for the wider street may extend up to 100 feet from the corner along the street line of the narrower street; or

SPECIAL RULE 1 FOR CORNER LOTS

(81-262b.1)

Rule 2:For any length of frontage from the corner along the narrower street, a maximum height for such length of frontage may apply, which shall be the weighted average of (1) the height permitted under Rule 1 for the first 100 feet from the corner, and (2) the standard height limit for front walls on the narrower street for the remainder of the frontage. (See illustration of Special Rules for Corner Lots)

SPECIAL RULE 2 FOR CORNER LOTS

(81-262b.2)

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