Zoning Analysis

Zoning shapes the city. Through zoning, a city controls building size, population density, and the way land is used. Along with the city's power to budget, tax, and condemn property, it is a key tool for carrying out planning policy. New York City has been a leader in zoning policy in the United States; the city enacted the nation's first comprehensive zoning resolution in 1916 and continues to be a pioneer in the field.
The Zoning Resolution is divided into two parts: zoning text and zoning maps. The text establishes zoning districts and sets forth the regulations governing land use and development. The maps show the locations of the zoning districts.
The city is divided into three basic zoning districts: residential (R), commercial (C), and manufacturing (M).[1] The three basic categories are further subdivided into lower, medium and higher density residential, commercial and manufacturing districts.
Development within these districts is regulated by use, bulk and parking regulations. Each zoning district regulates:

• permitted uses;
   
• the size (bulk) of the building permitted in relation to the size of the lot;
   
• the required open space for residential uses on the lot, or the maximum amount of building coverage allowed on the lot;
   
• the number of dwelling units or zoning rooms permitted on the lot;
   
• the distance between the building and the street;
   
• the distance between the building and the lot line;
   
• the amount of parking required; and
   
• other requirements applicable to specific residential, commercial or manufacturing activities