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What is NYC ZR § 91-69?

Quick Answer

This section allows the City Planning Commission to grant special permits for modifications to bulk regulations and waterfront public access areas for the development of Piers 9, 11, 13, and 14. The property owner must enter an agreement with the Department of Parks and Recreation to maintain publicly accessible areas. Applies to property owners involved in pier development.

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

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§ 91-69 Special Permit for Development of Piers 9, 11, 13 and 14

ZR § 91-69

Within the area bounded by South Street, the southerly edge of Pier 9, the U. S. Pierhead Line and the northerly edge of Pier 14, which, for the requirements of this Section, shall be deemed to be a single zoning lot, the City Planning Commission may, by special permit, permit modification of the bulk regulations, other than floor area ratio applicable to the zoning lot, and may modify or waive the requirements of Section 62-50 (GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VISUAL CORRIDORS AND WATERFRONT PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS), in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

The special permit shall be subject to the condition that the property owner, principal lessee or licensee of property owner has entered into an agreement with the Department of Parks and Recreation to operate and maintain the publicly accessible areas in accordance with Section 62-70 (MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION REQUIREMENTS FOR WATERFRONT PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS). For purposes of this Section, such publicly accessible areas shall be deemed "waterfront public access areas."

In granting any such modifications, the Commission shall find that:

(a)any modification of height and setback regulations results in an appropriate distribution of permitted bulk on the piers;

(b)no buildings or other structures shall unduly obstruct the visual corridor bounded by the prolongation of the northern and southern street lines of Wall Street seaward to the U. S. Pierhead Line;

(c)any modification will not unduly impede surface traffic and will minimize possible vehicular/pedestrian conflicts in the surrounding area;

(d)that the seaward end of all such piers is unobstructed to the greatest extent feasible so as to maximize views northward and southward;

(e)the development plan for such area includes an appropriate amount of publicly-accessible open space which shall incorporate appropriate design features that serve the needs of the local area, including but not limited to landscaping, lighting and seating; and

(f)the development plan is integrated with existing and proposed nearby development.

The Commission may prescribe additional appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the waterfront and surrounding area.

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