What’s going on with City of Yes?

Those keeping up with NYC news over the last year may have seen plenty of discussion around something called City of Yes — the mayor’s proposal to modernize and update the city’s zoning regulations, which many proponents say are outdated.

It may seem like every month there’s a new vote, decision or presentation regarding some aspect the plan. That’s because City of Yes as a whole contains three zoning text amendments: carbon neutrality, economic opportunity and housing opportunity. Each has undergone intense scrutiny. The Department of City Planning often hosts information sessions, both online and in person with community organizations, to inform the public and hear input.

The plan in general has been largely controversial. While some are outspoken supporters of the text amendments, others are critical and say the proposed zoning changes will hurt the city. Two of the three text amendments have passed, and the final is still in public review.

All community boards, borough presidents and city councilmembers will have the opportunity to give input, but the City Council has the final say with a vote on each amendment. Details can be found on nyc.gov.

City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality passed the City Council on Dec. 6, 2023. The main goals of the plan were to support a renewable energy grid; make buildings clean and efficient; support growth of electric vehicles and micro-mobility; reduce waste and stormwater; and grow food.

The text amendment removed zoning impediments to rooftop and parking canopy solar panels, allows building facade retrofits to meet energy code requirements, encourages public electric vehicle charging facilities and removed the need for rooftop certification to allow non-residential rooftop greenhouses.

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity passed the City Council on June 6. The proposal’s goal was to amend zoning laws to stimulate economic growth and support small businesses.

The text amendment eliminated rules that prohibited dancing and entertainment in restaurants and venues in commercial areas. It also removed restrictions on indoor urban agriculture; changed rules that previously banned businesses from setting up in some long-vacant facilities; and allows a wider range of businesses, including barbers and interior designers, to be based in homes.

The third and final text amendment of the plan, City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, aims to loosen restrictions and address the housing crisis by removing parking mandates, legalizing accessory dwelling units and more housing above businesses, adding transit-oriented development and a new Universal Affordability Preference, which would allow developers to add at least 20 percent more housing to buildings if the additional homes are affordable to households earning 60 percent of the area median income. The DCP estimates the proposal could produce more than 100,000 new homes over the next 15 years.

The amendment began formal public review on April 29 and the City Council is expected vote on it by the end of the year.