The proposed zoning text amendment will help increase the available space for solar panels, among other things. Credit: NYC DEP

Mayor Adams proposed a new city amendment to reduce our carbon footprint by removing red tape around certain zoning codes. On June 1, 2022, New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, proposed three new citywide text amendments to improve the City’s equity, sustainability, and housing. Mayor Adams believes current zoning codes have certain restrictions that could be diminished or completely eliminated in order to fulfill these goals. One of the proposed amendments, “Zoning for Zero Carbon,” will attempt to (1) remove red tape in deploying new clean energy storages and uses, (2) facilitate building retrofits. (read more…)

Mayor Adams announces the new proposed zoning text amendments. Image Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

The zoning text amendments are in development and will be drafted with input from stakeholders before undergoing public review later this year. On June 1, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan for a series of new zoning text amendments and programs aimed at removing obstacles for the recovery of small businesses, increased affordable housing, and the expansion of green technology to promote sustainability. The three zoning text amendments – the Zoning for Economic Opportunity, Zoning for Housing Opportunity, and Zoning for Zero Carbon aim to reduce bureaucracy within the City’s zoning text to make room for the City’s continued growth and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. (read more…)