Alternate Energy and Zoning in NYC

Zoning in New York City generally relates to the use and bulk allowed on real property in the city.

The government of NYC has committed itself to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the city by 80% by 2050. Among the principal sources of GHG are fossil fuels combusted in cooking, production of heat and hot water for buildings, and in running machinery, including gas clothes dryers in private homes.

NYC has proposed to achieve its ambitious goal by a number of methods working together, including reduction of fossil fuel emissions, by encouraging the use of alternate sources of energy. Over time, NYC has already modified its regulatory structure to include such alternate uses, by incorporating solar energy and wind energy facilities into sections of the Zoning Resolution (ZR). It is anticipated that further changes in the nature, origination, production, transmission, consumption and storage of energy in NYC will have additional implications for the use and bulk allowed on real property in NYC and that in turn will be reflected in modification of and interpretation of the ZR, as well as related construction codes,

environmental and landmarks laws and potentially other aspects of real estate law.

For a detailed analysis of how zoning is being used to lower carbon emissions, please download the full text by ZAC member Robert Gochfeld.

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Image © Urban Green Council