NYC agency · Zoning
Department of City Planning (DCP)
Writes the Zoning Resolution — the use, bulk, height, and parking rules that shape what you can build. DOB enforces it.
What DCP does
The Department of City Planning drafts and maintains the Zoning Resolution — the rules that govern how land can be used, how big a building can be (floor area ratio), its height and setbacks, and how much parking it needs. DCP also runs the public rezoning process (ULURP). DCP writes zoning; DOB enforces it through permits and zoning violations.
What owners deal with
- Confirming a proposed use or enlargement is allowed in the building’s zoning district.
- Floor-area, use-group, and parking limits when planning work.
- Zoning objections raised on DOB permit applications (enforced by DOB).
How to look it up
Use DCP’s ZOLA (Zoning & Land Use Application) to see your building’s zoning district, lot, and land-use data by address or BBL.
Reviewed against current NYC agency guidance by the NYC Building Compliance editorial team. Found something out of date? Tell us. Informational only — not legal or engineering advice.
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