Design Guidelines

New Construction

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HPD Design Guidelines for New Construction

HPD Design Guidelines cover page.

The HPD Design Guidelines for New Construction 2026 (the "Guidelines"), released in July of 2026, establish the design and building performance criteria by which HPD evaluates proposed developments for multifamily new construction, supportive, and senior housing projects.

HPD seeks to support projects that meet several core principles. Projects should:

  • Have a strong relation to the neighborhood (urban design and building planning)
  • Meet the needs of households and individuals (apartment planning and accessible design)
  • Promote greater equity
  • Encourage active design and better health outcomes
  • Minimize climate impact and enhance climate resiliency

Applicability

Design acceptance by HPD’s Office of Development’s Division of Building and Land Development Services (BLDS) is a prerequisite to loan closing for new construction projects developed under HPD loan subsidy programs.

The 2026 release of the Guidelines for New Construction apply to projects submitted for Design Consultation on or after October 1, 2026.

Note: Projects participating solely in Inclusionary Housing incentive programs (Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, Voluntary Inclusionary Housing, or Universal Affordability Preference) that are not subsidized through other HPD loan programs are not subject to the Guidelines but are subject to BLDS review of zoning and accessibility requirements.

All new construction projects subject to the Guidelines are also required to certify with the current version of the NYC Overlay of Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) or LEED Gold or above, in accordance with NYC green building standards established under Local Laws 31 and 32 of 2016 (Capital Green Building Program). Refer to HPD's Green Building Certification webpage.

The design standards established in the Guidelines shall not supersede any legal or statutory design requirements (e.g. New York City Building Code, Zoning Resolution, etc.), and all HPD construction projects remain subject to plan review by the Department of Buildings.

See the detailed guide on the New Construction Design Review Process linked below for more information.


For access to the 2023 version of the Guidelines, please see here.


Design Review Process & Submission Requirements

Additional Resources

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