Bill > S00188

This bill limits the zoning authority of cities, villages, and towns in New York State by establishing new restrictions on local land use regulations. Specifically, for cities and villages, the bill prohibits establishing minimum lot sizes larger than 1,200 square feet, mandating off-street parking as a condition for building construction (except for freight loading areas), and restricting the construction of multi-family dwellings. For towns, the bill limits minimum lot size to 5,000 square feet in areas with sewer and water infrastructure, and 20,000 square feet in other areas. Additionally, the bill prevents municipalities from imposing zoning restrictions that would effectively prevent the construction of two-to-four-family dwellings in residential districts, and allows six-or-fewer-family dwellings near commuter rail or subway stations. Cities and villages will be required to modify their existing zoning laws to comply with these new restrictions, with the law taking effect 180 days after its enactment. The goal of these provisions appears to be increasing housing density and affordability by reducing local government barriers to residential development, particularly in areas with existing transportation infrastructure.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S188