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What is NYC ZR § 117-441?

Quick Answer

This section outlines the standards and procedures for mandatory subway improvements related to development projects. It requires compliance with the design standards of the Transit Authority and involves a multi-step application process that includes pre-application submissions and certification by the City Planning Commission. Applies to property owners involved in developments requiring subway enhancements.

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

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§ 117-441 Standards and procedures for mandatory subway improvements

ZR § 117-441

(a)Compliance with Transit Authority design standardsThe subway station improvements shall comply with all applicable design standards of the current station planning guidelines of the Transit Authority.

(b)Procedure

(1)Pre-applicationThe applicant shall submit schematic or concept plans for the proposed improvements to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Transit Authority and the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission.

(2)Application pre-certificationAfter review and agreement on the concept by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Authority and Chairperson of the City Planning Commission, the applicant shall submit documentation deemed necessary by the reviewing agencies.

(3)Prior to the granting of certification by the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission pursuant to Section 117-45 (Developer's Notice), the Transit Authority shall have submitted a letter to the Chairperson stating the drawings and other documents submitted by the applicant have been determined by the Transit Authority to be of sufficient scope and detail to fix and describe the size and character of the subway improvement as to architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems; materials; relationship to existing site conditions; and other such elements as may be appropriate.

(4)The owner shall sign a legally enforceable instrument running with the land containing complete drawings of the improvement and setting forth the obligations of owner and developer, their successors and assigns, to construct and maintain all parts of the improvement, whether on-site or off, and to establish a construction schedule.Any such instrument shall be recorded against the zoning lot in the Office of the Register of the City of New York for Queens County and a certified copy of the instrument shall be submitted to the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission and the Transit Authority.The owner shall not apply for or accept a temporary certificate of occupancy for the development or enlargement, and the Department of Buildings shall not issue a temporary certificate of occupancy, until the Transit Authority has determined that the subway improvement is substantially complete, which shall, for this purpose, mean usable by the public.The owner shall not apply for or accept a permanent certificate of occupancy for the development or enlargement, nor shall the Department of Buildings issue a permanent certificate of occupancy until the subway improvement has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and completion has been certified by the Transit Authority.

(5)Where the mandatory subway improvement includes the preparation of drawings for off-site subway improvements, such drawings including, but not limited to, plans, sections, elevations, three-dimensional projections and other drawings deemed necessary or relevant by the Transit Authority or the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission, shall be in conformance with the current guidelines for submission of outside projects of the Transit Authority. Prior to approval by the Chairperson, the Transit Authority shall provide a letter to the Chairperson containing conceptual approval of the improvements as indicated in the drawings.

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