Zoning for Accessibility
Zoning for Accessibility (ZFA) is a New York City zoning initiative that leverages public-private partnerships, in tandem with the MTA’s planned capital construction projects, to upgrade our more-than-a-century old transit system and deliver ADA accessibility more quickly and with fewer costs to taxpayers.
Learn more about how it works below.
Transit easements
When property owners build within 50 feet of mass transit stations, they must ask the MTA if it needs space on their property for future accessibility improvements. These spaces, or easement volumes, enable the MTA to improve accessible routes into stations, avoid the high cost of relocating underground utilities, and prevent sidewalk crowding so stations entrances integrate better with neighborhoods.
Transit improvement bonuses
In high density areas, developers can opt to fund and construct accessibility improvements to stations such as elevators and stairs in exchange for a zoning bonus. These improvements prioritize accessibility and are subject to the approval of the MTA, City Planning Commission, and in some cases, City Council.
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NYC development requirements and bonuses
The MTA’s TOD Team provides guidance to property owners to conform with the New York City Zoning Resolution's transit provisions, which require certain development projects to provide space for transit improvements and provide opportunities for some development projects to receive floor-area bonuses in exchange for subway entrance and circulation improvements. TOD works with property owners to find solutions that balance development goals with public benefits such as improved transit access, visibility, and safety.
Zoning easement requirements
The New York City Zoning Resolution, including Sections 66-20 Zoning for Accessibility and 95-00 Special Transit Land Use District, requires developers of applicable zoning lots to consult with MTA on whether a transit easement is needed on their zoning lot for future transit access. This determination must be obtained prior to any application with the Department of Buildings for an excavation permit, foundation permit, new building permit or alteration permit.
Owners/developers of sites in New York City subject to such zoning provisions must apply for an easement determination through an online application, linked in the box below.
NYC Zoning Easement Application
Additional information on zoning easement requirements can be found by consulting Sections 66-20 and 95-00 of the New York City Zoning Resolution. Zoning applicability maps for Section 66-20 can be found on the NYC Department of City Planning website.
Transit improvement bonuses
For planned development projects in high density areas, TOD collaborates with developers to identify privately funded and constructed station improvements in exchange for floor area bonuses. Zoning bonus provisions such as Zoning for Accessibility and the Special Midtown District have resulted in significant station accessibility and circulation improvements at no cost to the MTA.
If a development is determined eligible for a transit-improvement bonus, TOD coordinates with the MTA External Partner Program on the technical details, project plans approval, and construction implementation.
To inquire about potential transit improvement bonuses, email us at TOD@mtacd.org.
Featured Projects
One Vanderbilt
TOD worked with city officials to create an innovative zoning tool that induced the developer to finance, construct and maintain an extensive, $200M concourse below Grand Central Terminal, expanding its footprint and significantly improving access to Metro-North, LIRR, the subways, and midtown Manhattan.
Queensboro Plaza
When a new development was planned next to the Queensboro Plaza station, TOD worked with NYCT and the developer to design and coordinate a ZFA transit improvement bonus. In exchange for the bonus, the developer will fund, construct, and maintain an elevator and stair to the street bridge, complementing other ADA improvements MTA is currently providing at the station.
Bank of China Building
The 42nd St-Bryant Park Station required a stair relocation into the planned footprint of the new Bank of China building at 40th St & 6th Avenue. TOD engaged NYCT and the developer to find a creative solution: relocate the entrance one block south. This move not only allowed the building entrance to face the park, but extended the footprint of the station, providing subway customers a more conveniently located, spacious, accessible, new entrance on 39th Street.
Special Transit Land Use District
To facilitate the construction of Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, TOD worked with NYC's Department of City Planning to create a special zoning district that allows dense development around our current and futurestations north of Lexington Avenue/53rd St. Station.
Per NYC Zoning Resolution 95-00, developers of applicable lots within the Special Transit Land Use District (STLUD) must consult with MTA TOD on whether a transit easement is needed on their zoning lot.
Midtown East Rezoning
The MTA was a key player in the creation of the Special Midtown District in New York City, which ties increased density for new office buildings in East Midtown to investment in new transit improvements. Improvements are made either by private construction or by payment to a District Improvement Fund dedicated to pedestrian and transit improvements.
Planning for system expansion
As the MTA plans expansion projects such as the Interborough Express, Second Avenue Subway, and Penn Station Access, TOD advocates for zoning regulations that reflect the significant potential for new housing and jobs brought by large-scale transit investments. Where possible, TOD works to ensure local land use regulations support the joint development of land acquired for stations and ancillary facilities.