‘City of Yes’ Zoning Changes Take Shape in New York

More details on New York Mayor Eric Adams “City of Yes” zoning reform agenda were made available recently. In June, Mayor Adams and New York Planning Director and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick revealed the “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity” zoning text amendment, the second of three zoning text amendments planned by the Adams administration and first announced in June 2022.

“The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity amendment aims to support small business growth through four pillars: revitalizing commercial corridors, filling vacant storefronts, modernizing use regulations, and investments in key growth industries,” according to an article by Veronica Rose for CityLand. “The changes to the zoning text aim to remove obstacles that slow down or prevent the growth and development of small businesses.” 

The zoning amendment includes 18 policy changes in all, including a large expansion of small-scale clean manufacturing, new space for industrial uses, new allowances for businesses to operate on ground floors, and new opportunities for corner stores, among others.

“The formal public review is expected to begin this fall,” reports Rose. “Currently, the first City of Yes amendment, City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality, is in the public review process and being reviewed by community and borough boards. The third amendment, the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, is expected to enter public review next spring.”