General Definition A "yard" is that portion of a zoning lot extending open and unobstructed from the lowest level to the sky along the entire length of a lot line, and from the lot line for a depth or width set forth in the applicable district yard regulations. Where a street setback line is shown on the City Map the yard extends along the entire length of the street setback line, and from the street setback line for a depth or width set forth in the applicable district yard regulations.
ZR GLOSSARY
yard
§12-10 Definitions
yard
yard is a defined term in the New York City Zoning Resolution glossary (§12-10). It is referenced in 89 ZR sections. Last amended September 19, 1973.
Quick Facts
- Definition source
- §12-10
- Sections using term
- 89
- Last amended
- September 19, 1973
What does “yard” mean?
Where is “yard” referenced?
89 sections reference this term. Showing first 89.
- §103-11 — Special Permits for Bulk and Parking Modifications
- §105-426 — Alteration of aquatic features
- §105-944 — Special Fort Totten Natural Area District-4
- §106-12 — Special Permit Provisions for Residential Uses
- §106-32 — Special Permit Provisions for Manufacturing and Commercial Uses
- §107-221 — Active recreational facilities
- §107-23 — Waterfront Esplanade
- §107-465 — Modifications of yard and court regulations
- §107-90 — SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR RECORDATION
- §116-622 — Required yards
- §117-23 — Special Yard Regulations
- §117-33 — Special Yard Regulations
- §117-524 — Special yard regulations
- §119-214 — Tier II requirements for driveways and private roads
- §123-631 — Special yard regulations
- §127-22 — Special Yard Regulations
- §128-20 — FLOOR AREA AND YARD REGULATIONS
- §134-23 — Yard Regulations
- §135-22 — Special Yard Regulations
- §136-52 — Authorization to Modify Bulk Regulations for Affordable Housing Units
- §141-21 — Special Yard Regulations
- §142-30 — SPECIAL YARD REGULATIONS
- §145-22 — Yard Regulations
- §146-22 — Special Yard Regulations
- §15-024 — Special bulk regulations for certain pre-existing dwelling units and joint
- §23-311 — Permitted obstructions in all yards, courts and open areas
- §23-312 — Additional permitted obstructions generally permitted in all yards
- §23-313 — Level and measurement of yards
- §23-341 — Permitted obstructions in required rear yards or rear yard equivalents
- §23-343 — Rear yard equivalent requirements
- §23-351 — Permitted obstructions in courts
- §23-372 — Distance between legally required windows and lot lines
- §23-723 — Yard modifications
- §23-734 — Permitted obstructions in open space
- §24-04 — Applicability of Article II, Chapter 3 Regulations
- §24-32 — Level of Yards and Measurement of Yard Width or Depth
- §24-33 — Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards or Rear Yard Equivalents
- §24-35 — Minimum Required Side Yards
- §24-40 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ZONING LOTS DIVIDED BY DISTRICT
- §24-551 — Required side setbacks for tall buildings in low bulk districts
- §24-67 — Permitted Obstructions in Courts
- §26-23 — Yards
- §33-22 — Level of Yards
- §33-23 — Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards or Rear Yard Equivalents
- §33-24 — Measurement of Yard Width or Depth
- §33-25 — Minimum Required Side Yards
- §33-291 — Required yards along district boundary coincident with side lot line of
- §33-292 — Required yards along district boundary coincident with rear lot lines of two
- §33-293 — Required yards along district boundary coincident with side lot line of
- §33-31 — Special Provisions for Zoning Lots Divided by District Boundaries
- §34-232 — Modification of side yard requirements
- §35-50 — MODIFICATION OF YARD REGULATIONS
- §35-52 — Modification of Side Yard Requirements
- §35-53 — Modification of Rear Yard Requirements
- §37-21 — Special at-grade Screening and Enclosure Regulations
- §42-194 — Use Group IX – uses subject to open use allowances
- §43-22 — Level of Yards
- §43-23 — Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards or Rear Yard Equivalents
- §43-24 — Measurement of Yard Width or Depth
- §43-32 — Special Provisions for Zoning Lots Divided by District Boundaries
- §54-51 — Energy Infrastructure or Retrofits
- §54-52 — Accessibility or Safety Retrofits
- §54-53 — Residential Retrofits
- §62-33 — Special Yard and Lot Coverage Regulations on Waterfront Blocks
- §62-364 — Special yard regulations
- §62-837 — Bulk modifications on waterfront blocks
- §62-912 — Elements of a Waterfront Access Plan
- §64-312 — Permitted obstructions in required yards, courts, and open spaces for all
- §64-323 — Special regulations for required yards and open spaces for zoning lots with
- §64-331 — Special regulations for required yards and courts on zoning lots with
- §64-622 — Special open area regulations for non-complying buildings
- §66-232 — Special open space, lot coverage and yard modifications
- §73-42 — Enlargement of Uses Across District Boundaries
- §73-651 — Enlargement of public utility facilities
- §74-721 — Height and setback and yard regulations
- §74-743 — Special provisions for bulk modification
- §74-751 — Educational Construction Fund in certain districts
- §74-851 — Floor area bonus for covered pedestrian space
- §74-944 — Modifications in conjunction with a floor area increase
- §74-946 — Findings
- §77-27 — Yard Regulations
- §78-311 — Authorizations by the City Planning Commission
- §81-067 — Special permit modifications of Section 81-254, Section 81-40 and certain
- §82-33 — Modification of bulk regulations by special permit
- §88-32 — Yard Regulations
- §93-512 — Subareas A3, A4 and A5 of the Large-Scale Plan Subdistrict A
- §96-102 — Yard regulations
- §96-52 — Bulk Modifications for Public Parking Garages
- §98-41 — Special Rear Yard Regulations
Frequently Asked
What does "yard" mean in NYC zoning?
"yard" is a term defined in §12-10 of the New York City Zoning Resolution glossary. General Definition A "yard" is that portion of a zoning lot extending open and unobstructed from the lowest level to the sky along the entire length of a lot line, and from the lot line for a depth or width set forth in the applicable district yard regulations. Where a street set
Where is "yard" used in the NYC Zoning Resolution?
The term "yard" is referenced in 89 sections of the NYC Zoning Resolution. Every section that uses this term must be read in light of the §12-10 definition.
Is "yard" an official NYC zoning term?
Yes. "yard" 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.
Need help interpreting “yard”?
Ask MuniMind for plain-language explanations and case examples.