Preparing an Application
Find resources and guidelines for submitting applications with NYC Planning.

One of the core missions of the Department of City Planning (NYC Planning) is to ensure that all land use and environmental applications for changes to zoning regulations, the City Map, siting of public facilities, and grants of site-specific actions are complete before they are reviewed by the public, the Chair of the City Planning Commission or the Commission as a whole. This way, the City Planning Commission and the public can make informed decisions about each project that goes through public review.

Who can apply through City Planning?

Anyone can apply for a zoning map change, zoning text amendment, or a City Map change. Only New York City agencies may apply to the NYC Planning and Commission for the siting of public facilities. Applicants for zoning map and text changes are often the NYC Planning, local Community Boards, or private developers.

If a development is as-of-right, meaning that a proposed development complies with the Zoning Resolution and qualifies for a building permit without the Department of City Planning's review, contact the Department of Buildings instead.

What is the application process like?

NYC Planning will work with you to ensure that your application is complete and ready to begin the City's formal public review of an application, known as the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure or ULURP.

The time between an applicant's first contact with NYC Planning to the start of ULURP is known as the pre-certification process. The pre-certification process involves two parallel reviews:

  1. A land use review of the application to ensure that the application is complete and technically accurate
  2. An environmental review meant to disclose and analyze potential impacts that the development proposal may trigger

Once these two concurrent reviews are complete, the application can begin public review.

Application Instructions

Note: Please be advised that all materials submitted to the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) in connection with the application may be placed on the DCP website and used in DCP presentations regarding the application. These materials may also be subject to production by DCP pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) in Article 6 of the Public Officers Law.