HPD Design Guidelines for New Construction

In September 2023, HPD’s Office of Development's Division of Building and Land Development Services (BLDS) issued version 2.0 to the HPD Design Guidelines for New Construction (the "Guidelines"), which establish the criteria by which BLDS evaluates proposed developments for multifamily new construction, supportive, and senior housing projects. The Guidelines may also be used to guide the design of 1-3 family homes.

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

Design acceptance by BLDS is a prerequisite to loan closing for any new construction project developed under applicable HPD loan programs. Note: Projects participating in the Inclusionary Housing incentive programs (either Mandatory Inclusionary Housing or Voluntary Inclusionary Housing) that are not subsidized through any HPD loan programs are not subject to the Guidelines but are subject to HPD review of zoning and accessibility requirements.

All new construction projects subject to the Guidelines are also required to certify with 2020 Enterprise Green Communities with NYC Overlay or LEED v4 Multifamily Midrise (Gold or Platinum).

The 2023 release of the Guidelines for New Construction is effective as of September 2023 and applies to all projects that (1) have not yet begun BLDS Design Review at the time of release; and (2) are anticipated to close after June 30, 2024.

Process Overview for HPD-Financed New Construction Projects

1. Workbook and Sustainability & Resiliency Design Waiver Submittal (Early Schematic Design):
   1. Follow Milestone 1 directions in the New Construction Design Guidelines Workbook and submit all applicable Design Waiver requests. To submit: email the Workbook to sustainability@hpd.nyc.gov and resiliency@hpd.nyc.gov. Please title the email: [project address] [HPD ID] - Workbook and Waiver(s)
2. Design Consultation (50% DDs, ~8-10 months prior to closing). Projects are advised to have Design Waivers approved prior to Design Consultations, if applicable.
   1. Project teams will submit, through eBLDS, the documents required in the Design Consultation Checklist.
3. Design Review (100% DDs, following the Design Consultation, but initiating no later than 5 months prior to closing). Projects will undergo one of the following review tracks:
   1. Expedited Design Review
   2. BLDs Design Review (Project teams will submit, through eBLDS, documents required in the Design Review Checklist)
      1. Design Review: Full
      2. Design Review: Targeted
   3. Sustainability Review
   4. Resiliency Review
4. Closing
5. Construction & Completion

For more information on the Process described above see the detailed process guide.