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Press Releases

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2020

Contacts:
Melissa Grace, Joe Marvilli – press@planning.nyc.gov (212) 720-3471

A First: Some Land Use Documents Can Now Be Filed Digitally

Digital tool creates efficiency, save trees

 

NEW YORK – Department of City Planning (DCP) Executive Director Anita Laremont today announced a new website, NYC Planning Applicants, that allows small and large property owners to submit preliminary required materials for a land use application online. The portal is the first step towards a paperless land use application filing process, one that will save money, trees and storage space.

“This new digital system is a great steppingstone towards a paperless world for our land use submission process. The environmental benefits will be enormous, and small property owners, in particular, will benefit from costs savings offered by this common-sense new webtool, that even allows for editing and updating as a project is reviewed,” said DCP Executive Director Anita Laremont.

Through this website, applicants can file Pre-Application Statements and Reasonable Worst-Case Development Scenarios digitally. The former provides preliminary paperwork about a proposed project, marking the start of a potential application. The latter is required for projects that need a more in-depth environmental review. Both documents are among first items submitted for an application.

In the near future, applicants will be able to digitally submit all other required filings for public review, such as the land use application itself and the environmental review documents.

NYC Planning Applicants will replace the paper-based system for filing these documents, both quickening the submission process for applicants and continuing DCP’s move towards a greener way of conducting business. Through the website, applicants can manage who can edit their projects by adding or removing team members and sending invitations to collaborate. Improved tracking also helps applicants keep an eye on the progress of their proposals.

The public can learn more about filed land use applications in DCP’s Zoning Application Portal (ZAP).

NYC Planning Applicants– along with many other digital tools created by the agency for the public – is part of DCP’s commitment toward a greener, paperless process. DCP’s other digital webtools are listed here.

 

Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.