max 2 family on a 16ft lot ?

I own a 16’x120′ lot in a r6b district and I am not sure what to do with it.
Someone told me that you can only build a 2 family on a 16 ft wide lot.
Is that true without exception? I am interested in a zoning study.

Augustiner

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 8 years and 4 months ago

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Augustiner | 8 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks for the info!
Now I just have to figure out how to build something that makes sense.
1700 sqf apartments are great, but I probably won’t get the price in that area to make it worth developing. But who knows – if the design is right it might work out

jimhillra | 8 years and 4 months ago

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The code states: “either one single-family detached residence or, where permitted, one single- or two-family residence may be developed”, but you may need to prove that the lot has been in its current state (size, shape) since 1961, which may in fact be very easy.

Getting a variance for that would be very difficult, but in an R6B district, you get an FAR of 2, so you can have a decent size building (16 x 120 x 2 = 3,840 sq ft). With that, you could get a couple of very nice duplexes, or a great triplex with a rental apartment. Going to a multi-family (3 and up) may not be worth the effort at that scale.

Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Certified Passive House Designer
Urban Pioneering Architecture, DPC

bk123 | 8 years and 4 months ago

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I think only a 1 family is allowed. it’s in the zoning code under narrow lot, attempting a variance would be a waste of time and money.

JorgeF | 8 years and 4 months ago

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I don’t want to give you false hope you may not be able to do much with the property but it may be worth looking into your options.

JorgeF | 8 years and 4 months ago

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Nothing is true without exception. The zoning code does restrict developing small lots. If you want to do more than 2 families you may have a difficulty here and may not be able to do it at all. But You can apply for a variance / special permit with no guarantee there. I am an architect 212 321 0194 if you want to discuss it in more detail. One option is if you combine your zoning lot with one of your neighbors lots this would not require combining the tax lots. You can apply to the board of standards and appeals for special approval. You gotta think out of the box.