Commercial Real Estate Zoning can be a little intimidating in NYC but once you understand the basics it all makes sense. In Brooklyn zoning is totally relevant to commercial real estate. How a lot/building are zoned determine the usage. There is zoning, use groups, floor area ratios, height restrictions, and certificates of occupancy that you should be concerned about when considering any location. I’ll share some basics with you.
Department of City Planning, City of New York – Click this link to get in depth and see zoning maps & rules.
Every Zoning district only allows certain use groups within it. When you’re looking for commercial real estate, the first thing you should know is your use group.
Here are permitted uses in each use group:
Group 1: single-family detached residential development – allowed in all ‘R’ zones and C 1 thru 6
Group 2: all other types of residential development designed for permanent occupancy – allowed in R 3-10 zones and C 1 thru 6
Group 3: community facilities like schools, libraries, museums, college dormitories, nursing homes and residential facilities for special needs populations – allowed in all ‘R’ zones an d C 1 thru 6
Group 4: community facilities like houses of worship, community centers, hospitals, ambulatory health care facilities and other facilities without sleeping accommodations – allowed in all ‘R’ zones, C 1 thru 6, & 8 and M 1
Group 5: transient hotels – C 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and M 1
Group 6: retail and service establishments that serve local shopping needs, like food and small clothing stores, beauty parlors and dry cleaners – C 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 7: home maintenance and repair services like plumbing and electrical shops which serve nearby residential areas – C 2, 6, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 8: amusement establishments like small bowling alleys and movie theaters, and service uses like upholstery and appliance repair shops – C 2, 4, 6, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 9: services to business establishments and other services like printers or caterers – C 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 10: large retail establishments like department stores and appliance stores which serve a large area – C 4, 5, 6, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 11: custom manufacturing activities like art needlework and jewelry manufacturing – C 5, 6, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 12: large entertainment facilities like arenas and indoor skating rinks which draw large numbers of people – C 4, 6, 7, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 13: low coverage or open uses like golf driving ranges, children’s small amusement parks, camps and banquet halls – C 7, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 14: facilities for boating and related activities which are suitable in waterfront recreation areas – C 2, 3, 7, 8 and M 1, 2 & 3
Group 15: large commercial amusement establishments, including typical amusement park attractions – C 7
Group 16: semi-industrial uses, including self-storage, automotive uses and other services, such as custom woodworking and welding shops – C 8 & M 1, 2 & 3
Group 17: industrial uses that normally conform to high performance standards – M 1, 2 & 3
Group 18: industrial uses – M 3