Zoning Requirements

The NYC Zoning Resolution determines the allowable size and use of buildings, where they are located and the densities of the city's neighborhoods. The City is divided into three basic zoning districts: Residential (R), Commercial (C), and Manufacturing (M), which are then further divided into low, medium, and high density districts. There may be different zoning districts within the same neighborhood or city block.

Zoning for Commercial buildings regulates permitted building uses, building size in relation to zoning lot, distance between buildings and their lot lines, required parking and other requirements.

To look up the zoning for a specific location, visit NYCCityMap, using the link below.

Once on the NYCCityMap website, enter the building's address number, street name and borough information and click Find. To view the building's zoning information, click the Show Additional Information... link and then click the Building & Property Information link.

For more information about the zoning of a specific property or other zoning-related inquiries, leave a detailed message with the Department of City Planning's Zoning Information Desk at (212) 720-3291. A professional planner will research the inquiry and contact the caller within 48 hours with a response. The NYC Zoning Resolution can be found in its entirety on the Department of City Planning’s website. The website also includes supplementary information about the planning process, the purpose and types of zoning requirements, links to information about the types of uses that are allowed in different types of zoning districts and links to zoning maps to help users to verify the zoning district of different properties.