Massive Technological Upgrade for New York City's Zoning Resolution

The city of New York's massive Zoning Resolution, the legal instrument that regulates land use and building size, shape, height, and setback, is now available on a contemporary web platform.

1 minute read

February 10, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


New York Public Library

Libraries can stay. It's time for paper zoning codes to go. | Vincent Desjardins / Flickr

From a NYC Planning press release:

Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Marisa Lago today announced the release of the City’s new online Zoning Resolution. The free digital platform makes New York City’s official Zoning Resolution – the City’s text for land use and development – instantly accessible to New Yorkers.

More on the benefits of the new platform:

The flexible digital platform serves as a green replacement for the physical copy of the Zoning Resolution. It offers keyword searches and easy navigation of what was, until now, available only in hardcopy. The document will no longer be printed, saving money, increasing government transparency and helping to fight climate change.

The Zoning Resolution was previously available in PDF format and on paper. The paper version totaled 1,570 pages and cost $750 to acquire.

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