118-30 Street Wall, Height and Setback Regulations

The location and height above curb level of the street wall of any development or enlargement shall be as shown in the District Plan (Appendix A). However, if a development or enlargement is adjacent to one or more existing buildings fronting on the same street line, the street wall of such development or enlargement shall be located neither closer to nor further from the street line than the front wall of the adjacent building which is closest to the same street line.

Street wall recesses are permitted below the level of the second story ceiling for subway stair entrances required under Section 118-50 (OFF STREET RELOCATION OF A SUBWAY STAIR WITHIN THE SPECIAL UNION SQUARE DISTRICT). Such recesses shall be no longer than 15 feet and no deeper than eight feet or the width or length of the relocated subway stair, whichever is greater.

Street wall recesses are also permitted below the level of the second story ceiling for building or store entrances only.

A sky exposure plane of 2.5 to 1 shall begin at a height above curb level of 125 feet on all streets within the Special District, except that on a narrow street beyond 100 feet from any street line opposite a public park or from the intersection of such narrow street with a wide street, the sky exposure plane shall begin at a height above curb level of 85 feet.

No development or enlargement shall penetrate such sky exposure plane except pursuant to Section 33-45 (Tower Regulations). However, Section 33-45 shall not be applicable to any portion of a building located within 100 feet of a street line opposite a public park.

(a)        On a zoning lot where there is an existing building to remain, the requirements governing height and location of street walls shall not apply within a volume defined by the rear wall of the existing building (W2), the front lot line (W1), the prolongations of the side walls (L) and a height of 125 feet above curb level

If, after January 10, 1985, any demolition or destruction occurs within the volume defined, the requirements governing street wall height shall apply.

EXISTING BUILDING VOLUME FOR

MODIFICATION OF STREET WALL REQUIREMENTS

(b)        The City Planning Commission may authorize modifications in the required street wall location if the Commission finds that the existing buildings, or existing open areas serving existing buildings to remain on the zoning lot, would be adversely affected by the location of the street walls of the development, enlargement or alteration in a manner prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Section.