Bill > A06528

This bill addresses floor area ratio (FAR) requirements for dwellings on active farms in New York, amending both town and village laws to prevent local zoning ordinances from imposing FAR restrictions that are more stringent than state-established requirements. Specifically, the bill prohibits local zoning regulations from limiting the floor area ratio of dwellings on active farms more restrictively than existing state law allows. If any local zoning ordinance violates this provision, it will be automatically deemed repealed and unenforceable. The term "floor area ratio" refers to the total floor area of a building in relation to the size of the lot it sits on, and this bill aims to provide more flexibility for farmers in constructing or expanding residential buildings on their agricultural properties. The legislation will take effect on the first of April following its passage, with immediate authorization for preparing any necessary implementing regulations. By standardizing FAR requirements across different local jurisdictions, the bill seeks to reduce potential barriers to agricultural development and support farming operations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6528