How does Property Shark work?
I feel like an old man asking this 5 years too late, but I can see I can pull up some basic info. But to get FAR, etc, I need to subscribe? Is that it?
I feel like an old man asking this 5 years too late, but I can see I can pull up some basic info. But to get FAR, etc, I need to subscribe? Is that it?
To say that FAR numbers on PropertyShark.com are often wrong is simply false. Existing FAR on PropertyShark.com is calculated exactly as FAR is always calculated: gross building square feet divided by the lot square feet. And Allowable FAR comes directly from the City. However, when calculating the number of actual square feet that may be added to a building, other building code / zoning code issues must be factored in.
FAR is a starting point from which an owner or prospective buyer can start. Typically, a zoning code architect is consulted on a case-by-case basis to establish the exact maximum allowable square footage and what configurations can be used to maximize it (e.g. terracing, etc.) given an existing building and/or new construction.
Property Shark is a nice front end for City records which are available to anyone. Property Shark used to be basically free but they have hooked a lot of people and then started charging for many of the features. Learn how to use ACRIS http://www.nyc.gov – look under Department of Finance and also Department of Buildings.
Be aware that the FAR numbers on Property Shark are often wrong.
And there are many zoning factors besides FAR that influence a building envelope that Property Shark does not get into – Open space ratio, yard regulations, building height, etc.
they keep making more and more of their site available only under subscription (you just to be able to view the fullsize photos, i miss that!) so it kind of sucks unless you’re seriously needing its services.