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Local Law 18 of 2022 (NYC short-term rental registration) prohibits short-term rentals in any dwelling unit unless the host is present and the unit is registered with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement. ADUs and basement units are not eligible for STR registration.
New York City does not have a general-purpose ADU ordinance. Most accessory dwelling units, including basement and cellar apartments, remain illegal under the NYC Zoning Resolution and NYC Building Code, except under the Local Law 22 of 2024 basement and cellar conversion pilot…
The Local Law 22 of 2024 basement and cellar legalization pilot requires the owner to occupy the building as a primary residence at the time of application. Outside the pilot, NYC has no ADU framework, so owner-occupancy rules don't apply.
New York City does not charge impact fees on accessory dwelling units because it has no general ADU ordinance. Local Law 22 of 2024 pilot conversions pay standard DOB and HPD filing, plan-exam, and inspection fees only, with no school, park, or transportation impact fees.
New York City permits sheds, tool rooms, and similar accessory storage buildings in required rear yards in all Residence Districts, provided they do not exceed 10 feet in height above the level of the rear yard. They are permitted only in rear yards, not front or side yards.
New York City legalized Ancillary Dwelling Units (ADUs) citywide on December 5, 2024 through the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity text amendment. An ADU is an additional dwelling unit of up to 800 square feet permitted on the same zoning lot as a single- or two-family…
Following City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, New York City allows legally existing garages (attached, within the home, or detached) on 1- and 2-family lots to be converted into ancillary dwelling units of up to 800 square feet, with non-compliant setbacks of the original…
Carports in NYC require DOB permits and must comply with the Zoning Resolution's setback, lot coverage, and open space requirements. In most residential districts, carports count as lot coverage and must meet side and rear yard setbacks. Building Code structural requirements…
Tiny homes face significant regulatory barriers in NYC. The Building Code sets minimum room sizes (120 sq ft for a living room, 80 sq ft for a bedroom). The Zoning Resolution generally does not permit standalone dwelling units on lots zoned for single-family use. Tiny homes on…
NYC Local Law 53 of 2015 and follow-on rules require any pet shop selling dogs, cats, or rabbits to obtain them from a public shelter or registered nonprofit rescue. New York State A-4283 (2022) extended a similar rule statewide, and DOHMH enforces both at the city level.
New York City has no numeric pet cap, but Health Code Title 24 §161 lets DOHMH abate filthy or dangerous animal-keeping. Severe hoarding is prosecuted as cruelty under New York Agriculture and Markets Law §353, with seizure and misdemeanor or felony charges.
New York City has no cat leash law, but Health Code Title 24 §161 requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months and bans keeping animals in unsafe conditions. Outdoor cats causing nuisance, attracting rats, or roaming uncontrolled may trigger DOHMH or 311 enforcement.
New York City does not require pet owners to spay or neuter dogs and cats. Sterilization is mandatory only for animals leaving city shelters under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law §377-a. DOHMH and ACC fund voluntary low-cost mobile clinics for residents.
New York City does not require all dogs and cats to be microchipped, but Animal Care Centers of NYC implants a registered microchip in every animal adopted, redeemed, or transferred. Licensed dogs must wear ID, and DOHMH urges chipping to speed lost-pet reunification.
New York City Parks and DOHMH manage a small but growing coyote population through coexistence rather than removal. Residents are told to haze, secure trash, and never feed wildlife. NYS DEC bars relocation of healthy coyotes under Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part…
New York State does not license pet groomers, but groomers operating in NYC must hold a city business tax certificate, a DCWP general business license if combined with retail, and meet DOHMH animal-care standards under Health Code §161 for any boarding or grooming-with-day-care…
New York City sets no specific cap on the number of pets per dwelling. Crowding, odor, or unsanitary conditions are enforced under NYC Health Code Title 24 §161, and severe cases can escalate to cruelty charges under New York Agriculture and Markets Law §353.
The NYC Zoning Resolution permits veterinary establishments in C1 through C8 commercial districts as Use Group 6 service uses. They are not allowed as-of-right in residential R-zones. Veterinarians must hold a New York State professional license under Education Law Title VIII…
Native birds in New York City are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and New York Environmental Conservation Law §11-0535. NYC Local Law 15 of 2020 added bird-safe glass requirements to the city Building Code. Killing or disturbing protected birds or active nests…
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effectively restrained by a leash or other restraint not more than 6 feet long. Off-leash use is allowed only in designated dog…
NYC Health Code §161.09(d) prohibits feeding pigeons, and NYC Parks Rules §1-04(q) prohibit feeding wildlife in parks (except squirrels and birds at designated areas). Admin Code §17-195 specifically bans pigeon feeding citywide with fines up to $1,000.
NYC Health Code §161.01 prohibits keeping wild or exotic animals as pets, including all non-domesticated mammals, reptiles over certain sizes, and venomous animals. The ban covers ferrets, which are specifically prohibited under §161.01(b)(10). Violations carry fines and animal…
New York County does not restrict any dog breed. New York Agriculture and Markets Law 123 preempts breed specific legislation and regulates only individual dangerous dogs on a behavior basis.
Beekeeping is legal in New York County under NYC Health Code 161.01, which was amended in 2010 to permit hives with registration to the NYC Department of Health and hive management standards.
Most livestock are prohibited in New York County under NYC Health Code 161.01. Hens are allowed but roosters, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and horses are barred from private property.
Manhattan allows hens in NYC but roosters are banned. Coops must meet health standards. Livestock prohibited in most residential zones. NYC Health Code governs.
New York City does not impose a cost-sharing 'partition fence' duty on neighbors; boundary fence disputes fall under New York State law. RPAPL 843 makes a fence over 10 feet built to block a neighbor's light or air a private nuisance, and RPAPL 543 treats fences as permissive…
For one- and two-family dwellings, the NYC Department of Buildings does not require a permit for fences 6 feet or less in height, and homeowners may install their own fencing. Taller fences, construction-site fences, and fences extending into the roadway have additional permit…
In New York City, fences in a front yard of a Residence District may not exceed 4 feet above adjoining grade (6 feet allowed on the qualifying portion of a corner lot). The NYC Administrative Code caps residence-district fences at 6 feet overall and non-residence-district fences…
NYC Building Code and Health Code require all swimming pools to have barriers at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. The NYC DOHMH regulates pools under Article 165 of the Health Code. Pool barriers must prevent uncontrolled access by children under 5.
Retaining walls in NYC are regulated under the NYC Building Code (Title 28) and require DOB permits when exceeding certain height thresholds. Walls over 4 feet require professional engineering and DOB approval. NYC has seen increased enforcement since building collapses related…
New York City's Administrative Code regulates fences 'whether of masonry, steel, wood, or any other materials,' capping residence-district fences of any material at 6 feet. There is no citywide ban on chain link in the general fence statute, though specific zoning districts…
Fences in Manhattan must comply with the NYC Zoning Resolution, Building Code, and Landmarks rules where applicable. They must be structurally sound, not encroach on the sidewalk, and not create sightline hazards.
Consumer fireworks are illegal throughout New York City. New York Penal Law Section 270.00 makes possessing, using or exploding any fireworks a violation and selling them a misdemeanor. While a 2014 state amendment lets counties opt in to legalize ground-based 'sparkling…
Open recreational backyard fires - campfires, chimineas burning wood, and bonfires on the ground - are effectively prohibited in New York City. FDNY Fire Code Section FC 307.1 bans kindling or maintaining any open fire except for listed exceptions, and the only backyard…
New York City does not allow open backyard fires generally, but FDNY Fire Code Section FC 307.7 carves out a narrow exception for manufactured residential fire pits. They may be used only at a detached one-family-style (Group R-3) home in an R1, R2 or R3 zoning district, must…
No New York City-specific ordinance imposes wildland-style defensible-space or brush-clearance requirements; the dense urban setting has no mapped fire-hazard severity zones like California's. Overgrown vegetation and debris on private lots are handled through…
Open burning is broadly prohibited in New York City under both state and city law. New York State regulation 6 NYCRR 215.2 bans burning any material in an open fire except for a short list of exceptions, and the NYSDEC confirms that 'Burning trash is illegal statewide in all…
FDNY Fire Code Section FC 307.5 controls where outdoor barbecues and their propane (LP-gas) containers may be used in New York City. At a multiple dwelling (Group R-2), only small barbecues using 16.4-ounce (1 lb) propane cylinders are allowed; 20-pound propane tanks may not be…
NYC does not have designated wildfire zones or wildland-urban interface (WUI) regulations. The city's dense urban environment and FDNY coverage make wildfire an extremely low risk. Staten Island's Greenbelt and some wooded areas in the outer boroughs occasionally see brush fires…
NYC Admin Code 27-2045, Local Law 38 of 1999 as amended, requires smoke alarms in every Manhattan dwelling unit, with 10 year sealed battery models mandatory on replacement since 2019.
New York State allows home processing of certain non-potentially hazardous foods under Article 20-C of the Agriculture and Markets Law. NYC residents may sell homemade baked goods, jams, and candies at farmers markets and directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen…
Home-based childcare in NYC is regulated by the NY State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Family daycare (up to 7 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years) and group family daycare (up to 12 children with an assistant) require OCFS licenses. NYC DOHMH conducts inspections…
NYC zoning prohibits home occupations from generating traffic, noise, or activity inconsistent with a residential neighborhood. Client visits are limited and often banned by co-op boards.
NYC does not issue a general home occupation permit. Home businesses operate under as-of-right zoning allowances. Specific activities may require DOH, DCWP, or OCFS licensing.
NYC Zoning Resolution Article II Chapter 2 permits very limited home occupations in residential districts. Only licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and artists may work from home, with strict limits.
NYC zoning prohibits virtually all external signage for home occupations in residential districts. A small professional nameplate is the maximum allowed for permitted home offices.
All street and park trees in New York City are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Administrative Code Sec. 18-129 makes it unlawful to cut, remove, or in any way destroy a tree on public property without written consent from the Commissioner…
New York City has no standalone municipal weed-height ordinance for private lots. The City enforces weed overgrowth only where it obstructs a public sidewalk, handled by the Department of Sanitation, while the underlying prohibition on weeds over 10 inches and on noxious weeds…
New York City imposes year-round outdoor water-use rules under 15 RCNY Sec. 20-08. Using a hose, automatic sprinkler, or other means to water lawns or gardens is prohibited between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and from November 1 through March 31 hose, sprinkler, and lawn/garden…
New York City does not run a dedicated tall-grass complaint program for private lawns; the City only acts when overgrowth blocks a public sidewalk. The governing height standard comes from the New York State Property Maintenance Code Sec. 302.4, which requires developed areas…
NYC does not specifically regulate artificial turf installation on private property. No permit is required for replacing a lawn with synthetic turf. However, stormwater management requirements may apply for larger installations, and some community districts have raised concerns…
Removing a street or park tree in New York City requires the written consent of the Parks Commissioner under Administrative Code Sec. 18-129. Unauthorized removal is a misdemeanor (up to $15,000 fine and one year in jail) plus a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per tree, and…
NYC does not mandate native plant use on private property but strongly encourages it through DEP's green infrastructure programs, MillionTreesNYC successor programs, and GreeNYC initiatives. NYC Parks Department requires native species for street tree plantings and park…
NYC encourages rainwater harvesting through DEP's Green Infrastructure Plan and offers incentives through the Stormwater Management Program. No permit is required for residential rain barrels. The city distributes free rain barrels through community programs and GrowNYC.
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-231, music from a commercial establishment may not exceed 42 dB(A) measured inside any nearby residential dwelling unit, nor 45 dB in any one-third octave band between 63 and 500 hertz (the bass standard). Separately, Sec. 24-244 bars operating any…
New York City has no blanket 'quiet hours' curfew, but the Noise Code's general prohibition (Admin. Code Sec. 24-218) makes it unlawful to make any unreasonable noise, and it sets a stricter nighttime threshold: device-attributable sound more than 7 dB(A) above ambient between…
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-222, construction work is unlawful except on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Limited weekend work (Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) is allowed only for owner-occupied one- or two-family homes located more than 300 feet from a house of worship; all other…
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-235, an animal owner may not permit unreasonable animal noise that is plainly audible inside any nearby residential property for 10 continuous minutes or more between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or 5 continuous minutes or more between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00…
The NYC Noise Code prohibits excessive muffler/exhaust sound from motor vehicles on roads with a 35 mph or lower speed limit - defined by 'plainly audible' distances of 150 feet for cars, 200 feet for trucks, and 200 feet for motorcycles - and bans honking except as a warning of…
Aircraft noise is largely beyond local control: 49 U.S.C. Sec. 40103 vests exclusive sovereignty of U.S. airspace in the federal government and 49 U.S.C. Sec. 41713 preempts local laws related to air carrier service, so NYC cannot impose flight curfews. As airport proprietor…
NYC Noise Code (Admin Code Title 24, Chapter 2) sets strict limits on industrial and commercial noise. Circulation devices must not exceed 42 dB(A) inside neighboring dwellings per §24-227. Commercial music must not be audible at 15 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM.
Outdoor music events in Manhattan require an NYPD Sound Device Permit and a Mayor Office Street Activity Permit, and must comply with NYC Admin Code 24-244 time, place, and manner restrictions.
NYC Admin Code Title 24 Chapter 2 sets tiered dBA limits in Manhattan: 45 dBA interior night residential, 50 dBA day, 7 to 10 dBA above ambient commercial, with Type 1 meter enforcement by DEP.
Leaf blowers in New York County are regulated by NYC Admin Code 24-227, which caps sound at 65 dBA at 50 feet and requires equipment labeling, though electric and battery blowers dominate Manhattan.
NYC Department of Transportation paints curbs to mark parking restrictions: yellow for commercial loading zones, red for no-stopping zones, white for passenger pickup, and green for short-term metered parking, all enforced under Title 19 of the NYC Administrative Code.
NYC Admin Code §19-169 defines abandoned vehicles as those left on a public street for more than 7 consecutive days without moving, or appearing to be junked. The NYPD and Department of Sanitation handle removal. Complaints are filed through 311.
New York City reserves curb space with dedicated-use signs (including 'Loading Only,' 'Commercial Vehicles Only,' and 'Truck Loading Only') under 34 RCNY 4-08; in a 'Loading Only' zone vehicles may stop only to expeditiously pick up or drop off goods or passengers.
New York City regulates on-street parking under the DOT Traffic Rules (34 RCNY 4-08): vehicles must be parked parallel and close to the curb facing the direction of traffic, posted time limits must be obeyed, and no vehicle may be left on any street more than seven consecutive…
Commercial vehicles in New York City face strict limits: under 34 RCNY 4-08(k) they must be permanently altered and lettered with the owner's name and address, may not be street-stored more than three hours, and may not park on a residential street between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
New York City bars street storage of boat trailers, mobile homes, and mobile medical diagnostic vehicles: under 34 RCNY 4-08(m)(8) none may be parked on any street in any area for more than 24 hours, and ordinary recreational vehicles are limited to seven days under the general…
NYC mandates EV-ready parking in new construction under Local Law 126 of 2021 (Admin Code §28-320). All new parking facilities must have at least 20% of spaces EV-ready, increasing to 40% by 2030. NYC DOT installs curbside Level 2 chargers through the PlugNYC program.
NYC does not allow the practice of 'dibs' or saving public parking spaces with personal items. The city enforces alternate side parking rules and public streets are first-come, first-served. Items left in the roadway to reserve spaces may be removed by DSNY.
New York City has no blanket overnight parking ban for ordinary cars; under 34 RCNY 4-08(m)(9) a vehicle may stay parked up to seven consecutive days where parking is not otherwise restricted, but commercial vehicles are barred from residential streets between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m…
NYC Local Law 18 of 2022 plus the underlying Multiple Dwelling Law section 4(8)(a) require any short-term rental host of fewer than 30 days to be physically present in the dwelling unit during the guest stay, sharing common space, with no more than two paying guests at a time.
Under NYC Multiple Dwelling Law section 4(8)(a) and Admin Code section 26-3102, short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days are allowed only at the host's primary residence, where the host is registered to vote, files taxes, and lives at least 183 days a year.
NYC Local Law 18 of 2022 makes Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and other platforms financially liable for processing transactions on unregistered short-term rentals, requiring real-time validation of OSE host registration numbers and monthly transaction reports.
Short-term rentals in New York City must comply with the NYC Noise Code (Administrative Code Chapter 24, Title 24, §§24-201 through 24-269) at all times, with quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enforces general noise…
New York City does not impose a short-term rental-specific parking requirement, but guests at a registered STR must comply with the NYC Traffic Rules (34 RCNY Chapter 4) and posted street-parking signs. Under Multiple Dwelling Law §4(8)(a) and Local Law 18 of 2022, a registered…
Short-term rentals in New York City are subject to layered taxes administered by the NYC Department of Finance and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Stays of fewer than 180 days in a hotel or transient rental are subject to the NYC Hotel Room Occupancy Tax…
Under NYC Administrative Code Chapter 31 of Title 26 (Local Law 18 of 2022), it is unlawful to offer, manage, or administer the short-term rental of a dwelling unit unless that unit is registered with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) and has a valid, unique…
NYC short-term rentals are limited to a maximum of two paying guests at a time, the permanent occupant (host) must be present and share the dwelling, and every guest must have free and unobstructed access to all rooms and each exit. These limits flow from the Multiple Dwelling…
NYC does not mandate a specific insurance policy for short-term rental hosts, but the registration process under Local Law 18 requires hosts to comply with all applicable laws including building insurance requirements. Most co-op and condo boards require liability coverage, and…
All Manhattan STR hosts must register with the NYC Mayor Office of Special Enforcement under Local Law 18. Platforms must verify registration before processing any booking under 30 days.
NYC does not impose an annual night cap on registered short-term rentals, but the host-presence requirement and 2-guest limit under Local Law 18 effectively restrict rental activity.
Every New York swimming pool capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep must be surrounded by a barrier. For one- and two-family homes the NYS Residential Code requires a permanent barrier at least 4 feet (48 inches) high with self-closing, self-latching gates; commercial…
NYC Health Code Article 165 requires permitted pools to be maintained free of sediment, lint, dirt and hair, vacuumed or brushed daily, with enclosures, depth markings and safety signs kept in good repair. New residential pools must also have an approved pool alarm unless they…
No one may construct or operate a 'bathing establishment' pool in New York City without prior construction authorization and a permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Code Article 165). Pools within a one- or two-family dwelling used solely by…
Above-ground swimming pools in New York must be surrounded by a barrier just like in-ground pools when they can hold water more than 24 inches deep. The pool's own raised structure may serve as part of the barrier if it is at least 4 feet high, but any ladder or steps must be…
In New York a spa or hot tub capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep is treated as a swimming pool and must be surrounded by a barrier, unless it is equipped with an ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover. Commercial spa pools regulated by the NYC Health Code must be…
Building Code Chapter 9 and Local Law 26 of 2004 require automatic sprinklers in nearly all new high-rise buildings, large commercial spaces, and existing office towers above 100 feet, layered on top of the Fire Code retrofit deadlines that ended in 2019.
NYC's de facto green building code combines the NYC Energy Conservation Code with the Greener Greater Buildings Plan: Local Law 84 benchmarking, Local Law 87 energy audits, Local Law 88 lighting and submetering, and Local Law 97 emissions caps.
Childcare centers in NYC must follow Health Code Article 47 plus Building Code Chapter 3 Group E or I-4 occupancy rules, requiring DOHMH permits, fire egress, lead-paint clearance, and DOB sign-offs before any state OCFS license can be issued.
Fire Code section FC 1010 and Building Code section 1010 require egress doors to be openable from the inside without a key, tool, or special knowledge, with limited exceptions for delayed-egress and access-controlled hardware in approved occupancies.
NYC DOB requires all elevators to be inspected twice annually — a periodic (visual) inspection and a Category 1 safety test every year, plus a Category 5 full-load test every 5 years. Building owners must maintain a current elevator maintenance contract with an approved agency.
Local Law 11 (now the Facade Inspection Safety Program/FISP) requires buildings over 6 stories to undergo close-up facade inspections every 5 years. Unsafe conditions require immediate sidewalk shed installation. NYC is currently in Cycle 10 (Feb 2025–Feb 2030).
NYC enforces aggressive lead paint rules under Local Law 1 of 2004 (the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act) and Local Law 123 of 2023, which expands protections. All pre-1960 buildings with children under 6 must undergo annual lead paint inspections and remediation by…
NYC Health Code Article 151 (§151.02) requires property owners to prevent and manage rodents and pests. The city designates Rat Mitigation Zones with enhanced enforcement, and owners who fail to comply face Commissioner Orders to Abate with mandatory timelines.
NYC's Zoning Resolution establishes mandatory front, side, and rear yard setbacks that vary by zoning district. Residential districts (R1-R10) have specific requirements: 18-foot front yards in many districts, 30-foot rear yards, and side yards varying from 2-8 feet. The Zoning…
NYC's Zoning Resolution controls building height through sky exposure planes, base heights, maximum building heights, and floor area ratios (FAR). Heights vary dramatically by district — from 35 feet in R1 to effectively unlimited in R10/C6 districts. Contextual zoning districts…
NYC Zoning Resolution controls lot coverage through open space requirements, yard requirements, and floor area ratios. In R1-R2 districts, maximum lot coverage is approximately 35%. Higher-density districts control bulk through FAR rather than lot coverage percentage. Open space…
Massage therapists in New York City must hold a New York State Education Department license under Education Law Article 155, since NYS preempts local massage licensing. NYC enforces zoning, health code, and trafficking-prevention rules layered on top.
Adult bookstores, video stores, theaters, and topless bars in NYC must comply with the 1995 Zoning Resolution amendments, banning them within 500 feet of homes, schools, churches, and each other, while limiting adult content to 40% of stock or floor area.
New York pawnbrokers are licensed under General Business Law Article 5 and supervised by the NY State Department of Financial Services on rates, while NYC's DCWP issues a separate Pawnbroker License under Admin Code §20-275 covering recordkeeping, signage, and police reporting.
NYC retailers must hold a Cigarette Retail Dealer License from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection under Admin Code §20-202. Local Law 145 of 2009 added detailed signage, age-verification, and price-floor rules, and Local Law 145 of 2017 capped the citywide license…
NYC Admin Code Title 20 Chapter 2 Subchapter 28 requires anyone buying or selling used goods, including pawnshops, secondhand stores, and scrap-metal yards, to hold a DCWP secondhand-dealer license, keep daily transaction records, and file daily reports with the NYPD via the…
The 2021 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act created the NY Cannabis Control Board and Office of Cannabis Management, which give 50% licensing priority to social and economic equity applicants for adult-use retail dispensaries operating across the five boroughs of New York…
New York Cannabis Law section 72 plus the NYC Zoning Resolution require adult-use cannabis dispensaries to sit at least 500 feet from school grounds and 200 feet from houses of worship, measured from the nearest entrance, with extra spacing rules in dense Manhattan blocks.
New York Cannabis Law section 79 permits licensed adult-use dispensaries to deliver cannabis to NYC customers using up to 25 W-2 employees, requiring real-time manifest logging, ID checks at the door, and OCM-approved vehicle markings inside the five boroughs.
New York Cannabis Law section 222 allows adults 21 and older in NYC to cultivate up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants at their primary residence, with a hard household cap of six mature and six immature plants regardless of how many adults live there.
NYC Zoning Resolution section 32-25 classifies cannabis dispensaries as Use Group 6 retail and confines them to C1, C2, C4, C6, and certain M1 commercial districts, with special permits required for sites in residential districts and waterfront overlays under Article XII.
New York's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA, Cannabis Law Article 7) permits adults 21+ to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per person (3 mature, 3 immature) with a household maximum of 12 plants. Home cultivation provisions take effect 18 months after the first…
Cannabis dispensaries in NYC require a state OCM license and must comply with local zoning. NYC Zoning Resolution allows dispensaries in commercial (C) and manufacturing (M) districts. Dispensaries cannot be within 500 feet of a school or 200 feet of a house of worship. NYC…
NYC 311 is the centralized portal for reporting non-emergency code violations. Residents can call 311 (or 212-639-9675 from outside NYC), use the NYC311 website at portal.311.nyc.gov, or download the NYC311 mobile app to submit service requests routed to the appropriate…
NYC code enforcement response times vary by agency and violation severity. HPD emergency complaints (Class C, immediately hazardous) require inspection within 24 hours. Non-emergency HPD complaints target inspection within 12 days. DOB responds to immediately hazardous…
The most common code violations reported through NYC 311 include lack of heat or hot water (HPD), illegal building conversions (DOB), noise complaints, trash and sanitation issues, and building maintenance failures. Some 311 complaints automatically generate violations upon…
NYC does not have a juvenile curfew ordinance. Minors are not restricted from being in public spaces at any hour under city law. NYC Parks have posted closing hours (typically 1 AM to 6 AM) that apply to everyone, not just minors. NY State does not impose a statewide juvenile…
NYC Parks close from 1 AM to 6 AM under Parks Rules §1-03(a). Being in a park during closed hours is a violation regardless of age. Certain parks and facilities have additional or different operating hours. NYPD Parks Unit and Parks Enforcement Patrol enforce park hours.
Operating any drone within five miles of JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty requires FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability authorization, and NYC Admin Code section 10-126 separately bans takeoff or landing on city property outside designated parks.
FAA stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions under FDC NOTAM 4/3621 prohibit drone flight within three nautical miles and below 3,000 feet of major league baseball, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motorsports events from one hour before to one hour after game time.
NYC Admin Code §10-126(c) effectively bans recreational drone flying in the city by prohibiting takeoff and landing of aircraft (including drones) from any location other than designated facilities. FAA Class B airspace covers all five boroughs, requiring LAANC authorization…
Commercial drone operations in NYC require FAA Part 107 certification, LAANC authorization for Class B airspace, and compliance with NYC Admin Code §10-126(c). The city has granted limited waivers for specific commercial uses including film production (through the Mayor's Office…
NYC Fair Workweek, codified at Administrative Code chapter 12, requires fast-food and retail employers to post schedules 14 days in advance, pay premiums for last-minute changes, and offer extra hours to existing fast-food employees before hiring new staff.
New York Labor Law section 652 sets a tiered statewide minimum wage and expressly preempts cities from setting their own. Effective January 2024, NYC, Long Island, and Westchester pay $16 per hour, rising to $16.50 in 2025 and $17 in 2026 by statute.
New York mandates paid sick leave under Labor Law § 196-b and paid family leave under Workers' Compensation Law Article 9, with statewide coverage that applies to nearly every private employer.
Local Law 97 of 2019, codified at Admin Code section 28-320, sets carbon emission limits for buildings larger than 25,000 square feet, with the first compliance period running 2024 to 2029 and steeper caps phased in through 2050.
NYC Administrative Code section 24-163 forbids any motor vehicle from idling its engine for more than three minutes while parked, standing, or stopped, dropping to one minute when the vehicle is adjacent to any public or private school.
Local Law 18 of 2010 added Administrative Code section 24-242 to cap leaf-blower noise at 65 decibels at 50 feet and limit operation to weekdays and Saturdays, but unlike many California cities NYC has not banned gas-powered backpack blowers citywide.
NYC requires city agencies to follow Local Law 86 of 2005 for green construction and the DCAS Citywide Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program for goods, embedding LEED, Energy Star, and recycled-content rules across roughly $25 billion in annual procurement.
Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019, codified at NYC Building Code section 1511.7, require most new buildings and major roof replacements to install a reflective sustainable roofing zone or rooftop solar across at least 100 percent of available roof area.
NYC has no mandatory cool-pavement code, but the Department of Transportation Cool Streets initiative and DDC Cool Pavements pilots apply solar-reflective coatings on schoolyards and select residential blocks to cut surface temperatures by up to 12 degrees.
NYC pursues heat-island mitigation through OneNYC 2050, the Cool Neighborhoods program, the 30 by 30 tree-canopy goal, and Local Laws 92, 94, and 97, blending voluntary investments with mandatory roofing and emissions limits in environmental-justice areas.
NYC enforces FEMA flood zone requirements through Building Code Appendix G and Admin Code §28-104.7.12. Approximately 400,000 buildings are in the 100-year flood zone. Flood insurance is mandatory for federally backed mortgages in Special Flood Hazard Areas. NYC has enhanced…
NYC regulates coastal development through the Waterfront Revitalization Program (WRP) under the Zoning Resolution Article VI Chapter 2. All projects in the Coastal Zone must be consistent with the city's Waterfront Revitalization Program. Post-Hurricane Sandy, NYC adopted…
NYC requires DOB permits for significant grading work. All development must direct stormwater to the city sewer system through approved site connections reviewed by DEP. Grading that affects adjacent properties is regulated under Admin Code §28-3309 (protection of adjoining…
NYC requires erosion and sediment control on all construction sites. DOB mandates Erosion and Sediment Control Plans for sites disturbing more than 1 acre. DEP enforces additional requirements under the NYC Construction Stormwater Permit program for MS4 areas.
NYC DEP regulates stormwater through 15 RCNY Chapter 31, requiring on-site stormwater management for all developments disturbing 20,000+ sq ft. NYC's combined sewer system makes stormwater management critical. The city has invested over $1 billion in green infrastructure.
New York City manages its 520 miles of shoreline through the Waterfront Revitalization Program and NYC Zoning Resolution Article VI Chapter 2 (Special Regulations Applying in Waterfront Areas). Development on waterfront lots must comply with waterfront access plans, setback…
The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Office of Film Theatre and Broadcasting issues free location permits under 9 RCNY chapter 9 for productions using equipment, crew, or actors on city property, with a minimum 48-hour application notice.
Manhattan film/TV productions must comply with the NYC Noise Code (Local Law 113 of 2005) and obtain after-hours variances from DEP for nighttime amplified work.
Manhattan film productions must coordinate street closures with NYPD Movie and TV Unit and DOT; full closures require community board and MOME approval.
New York State largely preempts firearms regulation through Penal Law Article 265, yet NYC retains exceptional authority under Administrative Code Title 10 chapter 3 to license handguns, rifles, and shotguns separately from the rest of the state.
After Bruen and the 2022 Concealed Carry Improvement Act, New York issues carry permits on a shall-issue basis, but applicants in NYC still file with the NYPD License Division and face strict sensitive-place limits across the five boroughs.
New York Penal Law section 265.01 prohibits unlicensed possession of any firearm, and section 400.00 only authorizes concealed carry. Open carry of handguns, rifles, or shotguns in any public place inside New York City is a criminal offense.
New York Penal Law section 265 requires firearms transported through New York City to be unloaded and inside a locked container separate from ammunition. Drivers without an NYC license may not stop, refuel, or remain in the city beyond direct transit.
NYC requires mobile food vendors to obtain both a DOHMH Food Vendor License (for the person) and a Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit (for the truck/cart) under Admin Code §17-307. The number of permits is capped by law, creating years-long waiting lists. Green cart permits for…
NYC strictly regulates where mobile food vendors can operate. Admin Code §17-315 and DOT/DOHMH rules prohibit vending within 20 feet of building entrances, at bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and in metered parking without authorization. Special restricted zones exist in…
NYC does not impose a specific limit on the number of garage sales or stoop sales a resident may hold per year. However, frequent or regular sales may be classified as commercial vending activity requiring a DCWP vendor license and potentially violating residential zoning…
NYC does not impose specific operating hour restrictions on garage sales or stoop sales. General noise ordinance provisions (Title 24, Chapter 2) apply — unreasonable noise is prohibited at all times with stricter standards after 10 PM. Sales must comply with any building rules…
NYC does not require a permit for residential garage sales or stoop sales. No registration or notification to the city is necessary. Sales must be conducted on private property without obstructing the sidewalk. Frequent or commercial-scale sales may require a DCWP vendor license.
The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designates historic districts under Administrative Code section 25-303 and reviews any exterior alteration, new construction, or demolition through Certificates of Appropriateness or staff-level Permits for Minor Work.
Individual landmark designation under Administrative Code section 25-302 requires Landmarks Preservation Commission research, calendaring, public hearing, commissioner vote, and a 120-day City Council window to modify or disapprove the action.
Demolition of any LPC-designated landmark or building in a historic district requires either a Certificate of Appropriateness or a hardship finding under Administrative Code section 25-309, with a minimum 60-day public review window.
NYC condo common charges and co-op maintenance fees are set by the board based on annual budgets. Special assessments require board approval and, in condos, may require unit-owner vote depending on bylaws and the offering plan. Delinquent payments can result in liens.
NYC condominiums are governed by Real Property Law Article 9-B (the Condominium Act) and their bylaws. Co-ops follow the Business Corporation Law and their proprietary lease. Boards must hold annual meetings, maintain minutes, and act in fiduciary capacity to owners/shareholders.
NYC co-ops and condos require board approval for unit alterations through an alteration agreement process. Changes to building facades or common elements may also require NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission approval in historic districts and DOB permits.
NYC condo and co-op disputes are resolved through internal grievance procedures, mediation, or litigation in state court. The Attorney General's Real Estate Finance Bureau oversees offering plan compliance. Article 78 proceedings challenge improper board actions.
NYC condo bylaws and co-op house rules are enforceable through fines, access restrictions, and legal action. Co-op boards have especially broad enforcement power through the proprietary lease, including the ultimate remedy of lease termination for chronic violators.
New York sets no statutory cap on HOA or condominium fines. A condo board's rule-making and enforcement power comes from the bylaws required by Real Property Law § 339-v. Non-condo HOAs draw any fine power solely from their recorded declaration and bylaws under the…
New York voids HOA bans on solar power and EV charging. Real Property Law § 342 (Solar Rights Act) makes any restriction effectively prohibiting a solar system unenforceable and void; RPL § 343 does the same for electric-vehicle charging stations. U.S.-flag display is protected…
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflatables in a sidewalk or right-of-way require a DOT permit under NYC Admin Code 19-128, and inflator-motor noise is enforced under the NYC Noise Code.
New York City has no ordinance regulating residential holiday light display windows or brightness. Light-trespass complaints are handled through 311 nuisance complaints, and co-op or condo boards may set private building-wide rules.
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) review is required only in designated historic districts and individual landmarks.
Ailanthus altissima, commonly called tree-of-heaven, is the primary host for the invasive spotted lanternfly and NYC Parks treats it under the Forest Management Framework with chemical and mechanical removal coordinated with the New York State DEC.
NYC does not prohibit front yard vegetable or flower gardens on private residential property. The NYC Zoning Resolution governs yard requirements and setbacks but does not restrict plant species in residential front yards. Community gardens on city-owned land are managed through…
New York State banned the sale and planting of two running bamboo species (Golden bamboo and Yellow groove bamboo) in 2015 under 6 NYCRR Part 575. Existing bamboo need not be removed but cannot be propagated. Many Long Island municipalities have additional local bamboo…
New York State maintains a list of prohibited and regulated invasive plant species under 6 NYCRR Part 575. Prohibited species cannot be sold, purchased, transported, introduced, or propagated. Regulated species require specific management protocols. NYC Parks also maintains an…
NYC Administrative Code section 24-219 and Department of Environmental Protection Noise Mitigation Rules at 15 RCNY chapter 28 require every construction site to keep an approved noise mitigation plan on site and limit weekday work to 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. unless an after-hours…
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey enforces FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Programs at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty restricting nighttime engine runups, banning Stage 2 jets, and channeling departures over preferred runways and water routes.
NYC Noise Code §24-227 limits HVAC circulation device noise to 42 dB(A) inside receiving residences when ambient levels are at or below 42 dB(A). If ambient exceeds 42 dB(A), equipment may not add more than 4 dB(A) above ambient. Buildings with multiple HVAC units are limited to…
NYC Noise Code regulates commercial music under §24-231 (music from commercial establishments). Amplified music plainly audible at 15 feet from any residential window is a violation. After 10 PM, sound exceeding 7 dB(A) above ambient at any receiving property is unreasonable…
NYC Administrative Code §24-238 requires motor vehicle burglar alarms to automatically terminate within 3 minutes of activation. Alarms may only activate through direct physical contact with the vehicle or a remote device used within 15 feet. Violations result in fines and the…
NYC Noise Code regulates generator noise under the general prohibition (§24-218) and construction device provisions. After 10 PM, generator noise exceeding 7 dB(A) above ambient at a receiving property is unreasonable. Construction generators must comply with after-hours noise…
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential smokers or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced through NYC Administrative Code Section 24-141.1 (visible smoke), DEP air-pollution complaints, and general nuisance under NYC Health Code.
New York City Fire Code Section FC 307.5 prohibits charcoal and gas grills on or within 10 feet of any combustible balcony, terrace, or roof of a multiple-dwelling building. LPG (propane) storage is restricted to 1 lb containers, with larger tanks prohibited indoors.
New York City requires DOB Alteration Type 2 or 3 permits for built-in outdoor kitchens with gas, electric, or plumbing connections under NYC Building Code Section 28-105. Master Plumber and Master Electrician licensed contractors must perform utility work.
NYC does not have a specific light trespass ordinance, but unreasonable light intrusion from commercial sources can be addressed through the Noise Code's nuisance provisions and the Zoning Resolution's sign illumination rules. DOB enforces sign brightness standards. 311…
NYC has no dedicated dark sky ordinance, though the city has implemented LED streetlight conversions with downward-directed fixtures. The NYC Building Code requires outdoor lighting on new developments to minimize glare. NYC's light pollution levels are among the highest in the…
Most interior and exterior renovation work in NYC requires a building permit from DOB. Alteration Type 1 (ALT1) permits are for major changes affecting use, egress, or occupancy. Alteration Type 2 (ALT2) permits cover work with multiple types. Alteration Type 3 (ALT3) covers…
Most deck construction in NYC requires a building permit from DOB. Decks attached to buildings or elevated above grade need structural plans. The minimum DOB permit filing fee is $130. Patios at grade level that do not alter the building structure may be exempt. All outdoor…
In NYC, temporary portable freestanding sheds on one- or two-family dwellings are exempt from permits if they are 120 sq ft or less, no taller than 7 ft 6 in, not within 3 ft of lot lines, do not obstruct windows, and there is only one shed per tax lot. Larger sheds require DOB…
Fences 6 feet or less in height on one- or two-family dwellings are exempt from building permits in NYC. Taller fences require a DOB permit. All fences must comply with NYC Zoning Resolution height limits: typically 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards in…
The NYPD operates roughly 500 fixed and mobile automated license plate readers feeding the Microsoft-built Domain Awareness System, with annual public reporting required under the POST Act codified at Admin Code section 14-188.
NYC residents may install security cameras on their own property. New York is a one-party consent state for audio recording under NY Penal Law Section 250.00. Video-only surveillance in areas without a reasonable expectation of privacy is generally lawful. Cameras must not be…
New York is a one-party consent state under NY Penal Law Section 250.00. You may record a conversation if you are a party to it or have consent from one party. Recording a private conversation without any party's consent is eavesdropping, a Class E felony. Proposed legislation…
In NYC, fences 6 feet or less in height on one- or two-family dwellings are exempt from building permits under the NYC Building Code. Front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet in residential districts. The NYC Zoning Resolution regulates fence heights by zoning district…
NYC Admin Code §28-217 requires owners of vacant lots to maintain them free of debris, standing water, and hazardous conditions. DSNY and DOB enforce lot maintenance. The city's Clean Lots program converts neglected vacant lots into green spaces. HPD's Alternative Enforcement…
NYC Admin Code §16-123 requires property owners and tenants of one-, two-, and three-family homes to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 4 hours after snowfall ends (or by 11 AM for overnight snow). Commercial and multi-family building owners must clear within 4 hours…
NYC Admin Code §16-120 requires all waste to be placed in rigid containers with tight-fitting lids, or in sealed bags placed out no earlier than the designated time (4 PM for evening pickup, 6 PM for morning pickup routes as of 2024 changes). DSNY enforces container and setout…
NYC aggressively enforces property maintenance through the Housing Maintenance Code (Admin Code Title 27, Subchapter 2), Building Code, and Health Code. HPD issues violations for deteriorated conditions. DOB enforces structural safety. Neglected properties can trigger liens…
NYC does not require permits for occasional residential garage sales or stoop sales. Sales must not obstruct the sidewalk. Items cannot extend beyond private property into the public right-of-way without DOT permission. Regular or commercial-scale sales may require a DCA vendor…
NYC Admin Code §10-136 prohibits aggressive solicitation, and NY Penal Law §240.35(1) makes loitering for the purpose of begging in a public place a violation. MTA and Port Authority rules add transit-specific bans, but courts struck down most flat begging bans as protected…
NYC Admin Code §16-118 prohibits urinating or defecating in any public place, and the 2016 Criminal Justice Reform Act made the offense a civil summons by default with a $75 fine, though officers retain discretion to issue a criminal summons under disorderly conduct.
NYC has no general skateboarding ban, treating skateboards as permitted recreational devices. Parks Department rules under 56 RCNY §1-04 ban riding on park paths except in designated skate parks, and Vehicle and Traffic Law §1234 limits skating in roadways.
NYC Admin Code §24-244 prohibits unreasonable noise from any source, and the NYC Noise Code (Local Law 113 of 2005) sets a 7 dB nighttime ambient cap for residential complaints. NYPD and DEP issue summonses through 311 complaint response.
NYC's Smoke-Free Air Act (Admin Code Title 17 Chapter 5), expanded by Local Law 13 of 2011 and again in 2018 to cover e-cigarettes, prohibits smoking in all city parks, beaches, boardwalks, pedestrian plazas, and within 15 feet of hospital entrances.
Local Law 38 of 2024 amended NYC Admin Code §19-176 to decriminalize jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross mid-block or against signals if they yield to traffic. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1152 still applies but the city no longer issues summonses.
Since 2010 every NYC food service establishment must post an inspection letter grade in the window. DOHMH inspectors score under Health Code Title 24 Article 81. Grade A is twelve points or fewer; B is thirteen to twenty-seven; C is twenty-eight or more.
NYC DOHMH funds Syringe Service Programs, often called the Syringe Exchange Program, that distribute and collect used syringes free of charge. New York Public Health Law §3381 protects syringe possession when obtained through SSP or pharmacy ESAP, and proper disposal in red…
NYC Health Code Title 24 §151 makes property owners responsible for keeping premises free of rats and conditions that harbor them. The Mayor's NYC Rat Initiative coordinates DOHMH, DSNY, HPD, and Parks. Inspectors cite, abate, and bill noncompliant properties, with set-out…
NYC Health Code Title 24 §81.15 requires every food service establishment to have a supervisor holding a DOHMH Food Protection Certificate on duty whenever food is prepared or served. The fifteen-hour course is offered free online by DOHMH; New York State sanitarians enforce…
NYC Local Law 69 of 2010 requires landlords of multi-unit buildings to give prospective and current tenants an annual bed-bug infestation history disclosure. Active infestations must be eradicated by the landlord under Housing Maintenance Code §27-2018, with HPD enforcing…
NYC HPD enforces the Housing Maintenance Code through complaint-driven inspections. Tenants file complaints via 311, triggering HPD inspector visits within 7-30 days. Inspectors issue Class A (non-hazardous), B (hazardous), or C (immediately hazardous) violations with correction…
NYC Administrative Code §27-2005 requires building owners to maintain premises in good repair and habitable condition. The Housing Maintenance Code sets minimum standards for heat (68°F day/62°F night Oct 1-May 31), hot water (120°F year-round), pest control, fire safety…
NYC tenants file housing complaints through 311 (phone, online, or app), triggering HPD inspections. Approximately 86% of HPD violations originate from tenant complaints. Tenants are protected from retaliation under NYC Admin Code §27-2115 and can pursue HP actions in Housing…
New York City provides relocation help in two main scenarios: HPD or DOB vacate orders trigger Local Law 17 emergency relocation, and rent-stabilized owner-use or demolition evictions can trigger statutory stipends and replacement-housing duties under the Rent Stabilization Code.
New York General Obligations Law §7-108, amended by HSTPA in 2019, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent statewide and requires the landlord to return the deposit, with itemized deductions, within fourteen days after the tenant moves out.
New York City has no Los-Angeles-style buyout disclosure program, so cash-for-keys offers are legal in principle. They become illegal when used to harass or pressure rent-regulated tenants, exposing the landlord to NYC Tenant Protection Act penalties.
Under HSTPA 2019 and the Rent Stabilization Code, a landlord of a regulated NYC unit may end a tenancy without tenant fault only for owner or immediate-family occupancy, demolition, withdrawal under DHCR rules, or government vacate orders. Each path requires DHCR or HPD process.
Major Capital Improvement and Individual Apartment Improvement increases for rent-stabilized NYC units are tightly capped by HSTPA 2019. MCI hikes are limited to 2 percent per year and expire after thirty years. IAI increases are capped at $89.29 per month, lifetime.
NYC Admin Code §27-2004 and §27-2005, the Tenant Protection Act, make it unlawful for a landlord to engage in conduct intended to force a tenant to vacate. Civil penalties run $2,000 to $10,000 per violation, with stronger penalties in distressed neighborhoods.
The NYC Human Rights Law, NYC Admin Code §8-107(5), makes it unlawful for a landlord, broker, or building agent to refuse to rent to anyone because they pay with a Section 8 voucher, CityFHEPS, SSI, child support, or other lawful income source.
NYCHA and HPD administer Housing Choice Vouchers in New York City. Under NYC Human Rights Law §8-107(5), refusing to rent to a Section 8 voucher holder, or imposing extra fees, is unlawful source-of-income discrimination.
Owners of rent-stabilized apartments must register with the DHCR annually under Rent Stabilization Code §2528. Registration includes reporting the legal regulated rent for each unit. NYC also requires landlord registration with HPD under the Multiple Dwelling Registration…
NYC has the nation's most extensive rent regulation system. Rent stabilization (Admin Code §26-501 et seq.) covers approximately 1 million apartments in buildings with 6+ units built before 1974. Rent control (NYC Rent and Rehabilitation Law) covers a smaller number of pre-1947…
NYC provides strong eviction protections through the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) and the Housing Court. Rent-stabilized tenants have a right to renewal leases and can only be evicted for specific causes under Rent Stabilization Code §2524.3. The COVID-era…
Before filing a nonpayment eviction, a New York landlord must serve a 14-day written rent demand under RPAPL Section 711. The demand requires, in the alternative, payment of rent or surrender of possession. Holdover cases instead use the 30/60/90-day notice tied to length of…
Real Property Law Section 235-b imposes an implied warranty of habitability in every residential lease. Premises must be fit for human habitation and free of conditions dangerous to life, health, or safety. The right cannot be waived, and tenants may recover rent abatement for…
New York has no statewide statute setting a fixed advance-notice period for landlord entry. Instead, a tenant's right to quiet enjoyment requires reasonable notice at a reasonable time, except in emergencies. New York City and some localities impose specific entry rules by…
Real Property Law Section 238-a, added by the 2019 HSTPA, caps residential late fees at $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less, and bars any late fee until rent is more than five days overdue. Lease provisions that try to waive these limits are void.
To end a tenancy or decline to renew, a New York landlord must give written notice scaled to how long the tenant has lived in the unit under Real Property Law Section 226-c: 30 days for under one year, 60 days for one to two years, and 90 days for more than two years.
New York requires advance written notice before a landlord raises rent 5% or more, or declines to renew a lease. The notice window scales with how long the tenant has lived in the unit: 30, 60, or 90 days under Real Property Law Section 226-c, enacted by the 2019 HSTPA.
New York's adverse possession period is 10 years of continuous, exclusive possession under RPAPL Sections 501 and 511. A 2024 budget amendment to RPAPL Section 711 clarified that squatters are not tenants, making it easier for owners and police to remove unauthorized occupants…
NYC Administrative Code §19-152 and DOT rules prohibit obstructing public sidewalks. Construction sites must provide covered pedestrian walkways. Vendors, signs, and cafe furniture require permits. A minimum clear path of 8 feet (12 feet in high-traffic areas) must be maintained…
NYC Administrative Code §7-210 places a non-delegable duty on property owners to maintain abutting sidewalks in reasonably safe condition. Owners are liable for personal injury or property damage caused by defective sidewalks, including failure to remove snow, ice, or debris…
NYC requires a Revocable Consent from DOT for any permanent private installation within the public right-of-way. Sidewalk cafes require both a DOT license ($1,050) and a revocable consent agreement. The consent is revocable at will by DOT and expires on the fourth anniversary of…
NYC Zoning Resolution §32-66 and §42-55 prohibit large illuminated and flashing advertising signs within 200 feet and 400 feet of arterial highways and parks, and the Department of Buildings has not approved new digital billboards beyond Times Square's special signage district.
NYC does not regulate holiday decorations on private property beyond general electrical and fire safety codes. Outdoor lighting displays must not create electrical hazards under the NYC Electrical Code. FDNY regulates open flames and certain decorative elements. Condominium and…
Political signs on private property are protected by the First Amendment. NYC zoning sign regulations (ZR Article VII) exempt non-commercial signs including political signs from permit requirements. Temporary political signs in windows and on private property have no size limit…
Garage sale signs on public property (sidewalks, lampposts, trees) violate Admin Code §10-119. Signs on private property do not require permits. The DOT and DSNY remove unauthorized signs from public areas. Stoop sales and garage sales are common in NYC, but signage is limited…
NYC Administrative Code section 16-329, enacted as Local Law 142 of 2017, bans expanded polystyrene foam single-use food service containers and loose-fill packing peanuts across all five boroughs. The Department of Sanitation enforces with civil fines.
New York State's Bag Waste Reduction Act bans single-use plastic carryout bags statewide, and NYC Local Law 154 of 2020 layers a five-cent paper-bag fee on top, collected by retailers for the state Environmental Protection Fund and city solid-waste program.
NYC Administrative Code section 16-330, added by Local Law 109 of 2021, requires food service establishments to offer single-use beverage straws only when a customer asks. Compostable and accessible plastic straws must remain available for disability needs.
The Department of Buildings NYC Solar Express program issues over-the-counter permits for solar photovoltaic systems on one and two family homes within two weeks, implementing Local Law 21 of 2011 and the New York State Renewable Portfolio Standard.
The New York State Public Service Commission Value of Distributed Energy Resources order under Public Service Law section 66-j authorizes community distributed generation, letting Con Edison and PSEG Long Island ratepayers subscribe to off-site solar farms up to five megawatts.
New York State Real Property Law §425-b (the Solar Access Act) limits the ability of HOAs and condominium associations to prohibit solar installations but allows reasonable aesthetic requirements. NYC co-op boards have broader authority to restrict alterations under proprietary…
NYC requires DOB permits for solar panel installations. Local Law 92/94 of 2019 mandates solar panels or green roofs on all new buildings and major roof renovations. The NYC Solar Action Plan streamlines permitting through the DOBNow system. Property tax abatement available…
NYC does not have a municipal no-knock or no-solicitation registry. Building management in multi-family buildings can post no-solicitation signs and restrict access. Individual residences can post 'No Soliciting' signs, which solicitors should respect, though enforcement is…
NYC does not require a general permit for door-to-door solicitation, as commercial speech and charitable solicitation are protected under the First Amendment. However, solicitors must comply with the NYC Consumer Protection Law (Admin Code Title 20) for commercial transactions…
The Street Activity Permit Office under the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit issues parade and street-event permits under 50 RCNY chapter 1, implementing Local Law 4 of 2009, with 30-day notice for routine parades and 60 days for First Amendment events.
NYC block parties require a Street Activity Permit from the Mayor's Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO). Applications must be submitted at least 60 days in advance. Block parties run a maximum of 9 hours between 9 AM and 7 PM, and community board notification is required.
Events with 20 or more attendees in NYC parks require a Special Events Permit from the NYC Parks Department. Applications are submitted through the online E-Apply portal. Permit fees, insurance, and event plans vary by event size and type.
NYC's permanent outdoor dining program 'Dining Out NYC' replaced the temporary Open Restaurants program in March 2024. Restaurants need a DOT license for sidewalk cafes (year-round) or roadway cafes (April–November). Applications require site plans, community board review, and a…
NYC street food vendors need both a Mobile Food Vending License (personal) and a Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit (for the cart/truck) from DOHMH. The Green Cart program offers additional permits for fresh produce vendors in underserved neighborhoods.
NYC designates extensive restricted vending zones where street vendors are prohibited, including areas near subway entrances, crosswalks, bus stops, fire hydrants, and in many midtown and lower Manhattan streets. Green Cart vendors are limited to specific police precincts.
NYC food carts and trucks must meet strict DOHMH specifications for equipment, sanitation, and food safety. Carts require a Unit Permit, annual inspection, letter grade posting, and compliance with detailed construction and operational standards.
New York City Administrative Code Title 17 chapter 7 requires every retailer selling electronic cigarettes to hold a separate Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealer License from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, on top of the NYC tobacco retail dealer license.
Federal Tobacco 21 law, New York Public Health Law section 1399-cc, and NYC Administrative Code section 17-706.1 all bar selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or any tobacco product to anyone under 21. Retailers must verify ID for everyone appearing under 30.
NYC Administrative Code section 17-715, originally enacted as Local Law 145 of 2009 and expanded by Local Law 197 of 2019, prohibits the sale of flavored cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-liquids, and shisha except in licensed hookah bars and adult-only tobacco shops.
Local Law 85 of 2023 amended Administrative Code section 16-308 to require Department of Sanitation curbside organics collection in all five boroughs by October 6, 2024, with mandatory source separation and DSNY enforcement starting April 1, 2025.
DSNY collects large bulk items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) curbside on regular collection days at no additional charge. Items must be placed at the curb by 8 PM the night before collection. Refrigerators and air conditioners require CFC removal before collection…
DSNY collects residential trash, recyclables, and organics on a set schedule by address. Admin Code §16-120 governs waste set-out times and container requirements. NYC is transitioning to containerized collection under the Clean Containers program. Commercial waste is handled by…
NYC mandates recycling under Local Law 19 of 1989 (Admin Code §16-306) and DSNY Rules (16 RCNY Chapter 1). Residents must separate metal, glass, plastic, and cartons (MGP) from paper and cardboard. Failure to recycle carries fines starting at $25 for the first warning…
NYC requires trash bins to be placed at the curb, not on the sidewalk, for collection. Bins must be set out no earlier than 8 PM (under new containerization rules) and retrieved by 9 PM on collection day. Bins cannot permanently occupy sidewalk space.
NYC Administrative Code section 18-129 and Title 56 of the Rules of the City of New York make every street tree, park tree, and certain protected species on private property subject to Department of Parks and Recreation work permits before pruning, removal, or root disturbance.
NYC Parks maintains a Great Trees registry recognizing trees of historical, ecological, or botanical significance. While there is no separate heritage tree ordinance, notable trees receive enhanced protection through existing tree laws and community advocacy. Trees in Landmark…
Removing or significantly pruning any NYC street tree requires Parks Department authorization under Admin Code §18-129. Private property trees in Special Natural Area Districts (SNAD) over 6 inches DBH require permits under Local Law 3 of 2010. Penalties for unauthorized removal…
New York City protects trees through Local Law 3 of 2010 and the NYC Parks Department's tree regulations. Street trees and trees on city-owned property are protected and cannot be removed or damaged without NYC Parks authorization. Private property trees over a certain caliper…
When NYC authorizes street tree removal, the Parks Department typically requires replacement planting — often at a 2:1 caliper inch ratio or payment into a tree fund. Local Law 3 of 2010 requires replacement for private trees removed in SNAD zones. Construction projects damaging…
Zoning Resolution Article II Chapter 3 (sections 23-90 to 23-96) and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing under section 23-154(d) grant up to 33 percent floor-area bonuses in designated R10 and rezoned MIH areas in exchange for permanently affordable units.
Unlike California's specific plans, NYC uses the Zoning Resolution's Special Purpose Districts (Articles VIII through XIV) to overlay tailored bulk, use, and design rules on neighborhoods such as Hudson Yards, Special Midtown, Theater Subdistrict, and Special Garment Center.
New York has no statewide E-Verify mandate; employers rely on the federal Form I-9 process while New York Labor Law and Human Rights Law restrict status discrimination and protect undocumented workers.
New York's Green Light Law limits state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and shields DMV records, applying uniformly to every county, city, town, and village in the state.
Agriculture and Markets Law Article 25-AA governs certified agricultural districts statewide and limits how local zoning can apply to working farms inside them.
NY Agriculture and Markets Law §301-309 protects sound agricultural practices in certified Agricultural Districts from local ordinances and private nuisance suits. The Commissioner issues opinions on whether local laws unreasonably restrict farm operations. About 9 million acres…