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What is NYC ZR § 81-47?

Quick Answer

This section establishes requirements for the location of major building entrances on zoning lots of at least 20,000 square feet, particularly for buildings developed after May 13, 1982. It outlines specific conditions for entrances based on the presence of public plazas, street types, and exceptions. Applies to building owners developing large properties.

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

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§ 81-47 Major Building Entrances

ZR § 81-47

In order to limit pedestrian traffic congestion on zoning lots with at least 20,000 square feet of lot area, the following restrictions apply to buildings developed after May 13, 1982, as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section, except as provided in paragraph (c) in this Section. For the purposes of this Section, the major entrance to a building shall be that entrance to the main lobby of the building which has the greatest aggregate width of clear openings for access.

(a)When the zoning lot contains a public plaza or an open though block connection located entirely outside of the building, the major entrance to the building shall open on the public plaza or the open through block connection.

(b)Where there is no public plaza or open through block connection on the zoning lot, the following restrictions on major entrances shall apply to corner lots or block front lots:

(1)Corner lotsOn a corner lot with frontage on no more than one narrow street, the major entrance shall be located on the narrow street.On a corner lot with frontages on two wide streets, the major entrance shall be located on either wide street.

(2)Block front lotsOn a full block front lot with one or more narrow street frontages, a major entrance shall be located on at least one narrow street, except that this requirement shall not apply if the zoning lot contains a permitted sidewalk widening with a width of 10 feet along a wide street.

(c)Exceptions to requirementsUnder the following conditions, developments shall not be subject to the locational requirements of this Section:

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