Board of Standards and Appeals311

History

Mission
Note from the Chair
History
Rules of Practice and Procedures
Board Composition
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility Statement

Creation of the BSA

The Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA, or Board) was first created in 1916 along with NYC's historic first Zoning Resolution.

Initially, the Board was comprised of 9 members, 6 of whom were appointed commissioners, 2 FDNY members, and 1 DOB superintendent. Separately, a Board of Appeals was created with 6 appointed members and 1 FDNY chief.

Image of a New York Times article announcing first BSA meeting in 1916

Photo credit: The New York Times, August 6, 1916.

Over the Years

In 1925, the BSA absorbed the Board of Appeals and was restructured to 4 appointed commissioners and 1 FDNY chief.

In subsequent years, the BSA would grow and shrink between 3 to 6 appointed commissioners. Since 1991, the Board has been comprised of 5 appointed commissioners.

Learn more about the current Board composition.