General Definition A "basement", except where a base plane is used to determine building height, is a story (or portion of a story) partly below curb level, with at least one-half of its height (measured from floor to ceiling) above curb level. On through lots, the curb level nearest to a story (or portion of a story) shall be used to determine whether such story (or portion of a story) is a basement. Where a base plane is used to determine building height, a basement is a story (or portion of a story) partly below the base plane, with at least one-half its height (measured from floor to ceiling) above the base plane. In addition, the following rules shall apply: (a) When a sloping base plane is established, a basement is a story (or portion of a story) partly below the street wall line level, with at least one-half its height (measured from floor to ceiling) above the street wall line level used to establish such base plane. On #through lots, the street wall line level nearest to a story# shall be used to determine whether such story or portion of a story is a basement. (b) All of the floor space with at least one-half its height (measured from floor to ceiling) above curb level shall be considered to be a basement where, subsequent to December 5, 1990, the level of any yard except that portion of a yard in front of the entrance to a garage on a zoning lot is lowered below the level of the base plane.
basement
basement is a defined term in the New York City Zoning Resolution glossary (§12-10). It is referenced in 17 ZR sections. Last amended October 25, 1993.
Quick Facts
- Definition source
- §12-10
- Sections using term
- 17
- Last amended
- October 25, 1993
What does “basement” mean?
Where is “basement” referenced?
17 sections reference this term. Showing first 17.
- §101-702 — Definitions specific to the Atlantic Avenue Subdistrict
- §122-10 — SPECIAL USE REGULATIONS
- §139-51 — Area-wide Modifications
- §141-21 — Special Yard Regulations
- §23-311 — Permitted obstructions in all yards, courts and open areas
- §23-312 — Additional permitted obstructions generally permitted in all yards
- §23-411 — General permitted obstructions
- §25-11 — General Provisions
- §32-195 — Use Group IX – uses subject to open use allowances
- §33-23 — Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards or Rear Yard Equivalents
- §36-11 — General Provisions
- §42-194 — Use Group IX – uses subject to open use allowances
- §43-23 — Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards or Rear Yard Equivalents
- §44-11 — General Provisions
- §52-61 — General Provisions
- §64-322 — Special floor area modifications for flood-resistant buildings
- §84-121 — Uses along Esplanade
Frequently Asked
What does "basement" mean in NYC zoning?
"basement" is a term defined in §12-10 of the New York City Zoning Resolution glossary. General Definition A "basement", except where a base plane is used to determine building height, is a story (or portion of a story) partly below curb level, with at least one-half of its height (measured from floor to ceiling) above curb level. On through lots, the curb level nea
Where is "basement" used in the NYC Zoning Resolution?
The term "basement" is referenced in 17 sections of the NYC Zoning Resolution. Every section that uses this term must be read in light of the §12-10 definition.
Is "basement" an official NYC zoning term?
Yes. "basement" is an officially-defined term in §12-10 of the NYC Zoning Resolution maintained by the NYC Department of City Planning. The authoritative source is zr.planning.nyc.gov.
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