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The contextual Quality Housing bulk regulations, which are mandatory in R8A districts, typically result in high lot coverage 10- to 12-story apartment buildings, set at or near the street line. Limitations on the base height and maximum building height of new buildings ensure compatibility with existing buildings on the street. Parts of DUMBO in Brooklyn and West Chelsea in Manhattan are R8A districts.

The floor area ratio (FAR) in R8A districts is 6.02. Above a base height of 60 to 85 feet, the building must set back to a depth of 10 feet on a wide street and 15 feet on a narrow street before rising to its maximum height of 120 feet. On a wide street, the street wall must extend along the entire width of the zoning lot and at least 70% of the street wall must be within eight feet of the street line.

The area between a building’s street wall and the street line must be planted and the building must have interior amenities pursuant to the Quality Housing Program.

Off-street parking is not allowed in front of a building. Parking is required for 40% of dwelling units.