Coding & Zoning

What are Coding & Zoning Services?

Coding and Zoning Services involve reviewing and interpreting the rules that regulate land use and building design in New York City. These services focus on compliance with the New York City Zoning Resolution and the New York City Building Code, ensuring that proposed construction projects meet legal, safety, and planning requirements.

What is Zoning?

Zoning is the set of laws that regulate land use and building form throughout New York City. It dictates what can be built, where it can be built, and how it can be used.

  • Determines allowed uses: residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use.

  • Sets limits for building height, bulk, density, and open space.

  • Influences neighborhood character and future development.

What is the Zoning Resolution?

The NYC Zoning Resolution is the legal framework governing land use, building size, shape, and density. It is divided into zoning districts (R for residential, C for commercial, M for manufacturing) and includes special purpose districts.

  • Controls floor area ratio (FAR), lot coverage, and setbacks.

  • Regulates parking, signage, and public plazas.

  • Updated periodically to address planning and policy goals.

What is the NYC Building Code?

The NYC Building Code sets construction standards to protect public health, safety, and welfare. It governs how buildings are designed, built, altered, and maintained.

  • Covers structural systems, fire protection, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

  • Establishes accessibility, energy efficiency, and sustainability requirements.

  • Updated regularly to align with modern safety and engineering practices.

How do Coding & Zoning intersect?

  • Zoning Resolution governs what can be built and how big.

  • Building Code governs how it is built and how safe.

Together, they ensure that projects meet both planning policy and technical safety standards.

Why are Coding & Zoning Services important?

  • Avoids violations, stop-work orders, and costly redesigns.

  • Ensures projects are legally compliant from the start.

  • Maximizes development potential within zoning limits.

  • Provides clarity during pre-construction planning.

At Post & Lintel, Our Coding & Zoning Services Include:

  • Zoning Analysis: Reviewing property zoning to determine permitted uses and building envelopes.

  • Code Compliance Review: Ensuring construction plans meet Building Code requirements.

  • Bulk & Density Studies: Calculating FAR, lot coverage, and allowable building area.

  • Use & Occupancy Review: Determining lawful building uses and occupancy groups.

  • Special Permits & Variances: Assisting with discretionary approvals from DOB, BSA, or City Planning.

  • Filing & Documentation: Preparing zoning diagrams, code analyses, and reports for agency review.

If you need assistance with zoning analysis, code compliance, or navigating NYC filing requirements, reach out through our Contact Page to schedule a consultation.

For official guidance on codes and zoning, visit NYC DOB