New York City Zoning R3A
Hamoun Niknejad2026-04-06T16:55:38+00:00If you own a property in New York City, one small zoning label can shape almost everything you are allowed to build. R3A zoning is a good example of that.At first glance, R3A may look like just another technical code on a zoning map. But in reality, it controls the size, height, layout, and development potential of many low-density residential properties in the city. If you are planning to enlarge a house, build a new home, or simply understand what...
NYC Parapet Wall Inspection
Hamoun Niknejad2026-04-05T19:30:47+00:00If you own or manage a building in New York City, parapet wall inspections are mandatory. Since January 1, 2024, the NYC Department of Buildings has required annual parapet observations for many properties, and owners need to keep those records on file.What is a parapet wall?A parapet is the part of a wall that extends above the roofline. In NYC, they are especially common on older masonry buildings, often along the front of the roof facing the street. Some parapets...
Landmark Buildings
Hamoun Niknejad2026-04-05T00:23:57+00:00If you own a property in New York City, especially in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, one of the first things you should check before planning any renovation is whether the building is landmarked or located inside a historic district. That one detail can completely change the approval process for your project.Many owners assume that if they own the property, they can simply renovate it the way they want. But when a building is protected by New...
Non-Conforming and Non-Complying in NYC
Hamoun Niknejad2026-04-01T04:29:32+00:00When you start any project like renovation, enlargement, legalization, or a change of use project, zoning can be the most complicated part of it. Many owners assume that if a building has existed for years, it’s confirmation to have it the same as before, even after alteration or modification.There are two zoning terminologies, non-conforming and non-complying, that you need to be aware of before starting any project, especially in New York City. They sound similar, and people sometimes use them...