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What is NYC ZR § 143-14?

Quick Answer

This section regulates the residential use of zoning lots with qualifying buildings as of December 15, 2021. It requires certification from the City Planning Commission and the Department of Buildings to ensure that non-residential floor area is maintained or that conversions comply with affordable housing definitions. Applies to property owners involved in developments or conversions of qualifying buildings.

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

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§ 143-14 Non-residential Retention for Qualifying Buildings

ZR § 143-14

For developments, enlargements, and conversions on zoning lots with qualifying buildings existing on December 15, 2021, residential uses shall only be permitted upon certification by the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission to the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings that the zoning lot, as it existed on December 15, 2021, will contain at least the amount of non-residential floor area that existed within such qualifying buildings on the zoning lot on December 15, 2021, or where the qualifying building will be converted to residences that are exclusively dwelling units that either comply with the definition of “affordable housing unit” set forth in Section 27-111 (General definitions), or have a legally binding restriction limiting rents to households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the income index. For the purposes of this Section, non-residential floor area shall not include residences, including dwelling units that are registered Interim Multiple Dwellings or are covered by the New York City Loft Board pursuant to Article 7-C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law or that the Loft Board determines were occupied for residential use on September 1, 1980, joint living-work quarters for artists, community facility uses with sleeping accommodations or transient hotels, where permitted.

A restrictive declaration acceptable to the Department of City Planning shall be executed and recorded, binding the owners, successors and assigns to provide the amount of non-residential floor area that existed within qualifying buildings on December 15, 2021, on the zoning lot. Such restrictive declaration shall be recorded in the Office of the City Register.

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