City Approves Zoning Changes To Help Homeowners Near Shore Build up Post Sandy

Yesterday the City Planning Commission changed zoning laws to allow homeowners to elevate properties in storm areas without violating height restrictions. The Daily News reports that homeowners faced higher insurance bills if they didn’t elevate their properties, but to elevate, some would have to eliminate the top floor of the home to comply with zoning. The new resolution says that storm-related elevation does not count against any neighborhood height restrictions. Now property owners can build as high as 10 feet, although they cannot create any extra living space. They are allowed to use the space underneath their house as a car port or patio. The city also addressed ways to protect commercial properties against future storms, like moving generators and mechanical systems, while keeping the storefronts looking attractive.

Zoning Change Will Give Lift to Sandy Homeowners [NY Daily News]
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