Note from the Chair

Since 1916, the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) has worked to administer zoning, building, and housing regulations in a fair and just manner to protect the city's interest in safeguarding the general welfare while balancing private property interests. In carrying out its mission, BSA not only resolves complicated land use disputes by deciding appeals of Department of Buildings decisions, but also enlivens the city with variances and special permits that rejuvenate underused properties and sustainably benefit both applicants and communities.

Under the New York City Charter, the Board is an independent agency that consists of five full-time commissioners. Each commissioner, using their technical expertise and independent judgment, scrutinizes every land use application with the utmost care. While each case must be thoroughly considered on an individual basis, the Board's decisions must also be consistent, legally defensible, and limited by the state and local laws under which it is authorized to act. Despite this narrow focus, the Board is empowered to use discretion in interpreting zoning and land use rules and issuing conditions on approvals that safeguard public welfare.

I am honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve the city in this capacity. I have spent my career in city government and enjoy using my experience as a city planner to consider projects holistically and achieve fair and practical results. In addition, as a former member of my local community board, I deeply value the perspective of local communities and the impact developments have on neighborhoods. As the Board's Charter-required city planner and Chairperson, I look forward to representing the Board, the city, and its diverse neighborhoods in the best possible manner in the coming years.

Shampa Chanda
Chair, Commissioner
Board of Standards and Appeals