Briefings
What changed in environmental, land-use and permitting rules for development in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania: what happened, who is affected and the next date that matters.
- MediumNew York
New York court blocks commercial tax class for vacant residential lots outside Manhattan
Two appellate rulings require New York City to tax vacant residential lots in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island in class one, and let owners correct some past years.
In courtHousingTaxes & incentives - MediumNew York County, NY
New York high court upholds SoHo and NoHo conversion fee; Supreme Court conference October 9
The Court of Appeals held on January 13, 2026 that the $100-per-square-foot fee to convert artist live-work units to ordinary residential use is not a taking. A petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review that ruling is set for its October 9 conference.
In courtHousingTaxes & incentives - HighNew York
New York City adopts fast-track land-use review and housing appeals board rules, effective November 14
City Planning rules set eligibility, deadlines and fees for a shorter review of qualifying rezonings and the procedure for a board that can restore housing approvals the City Council rejects or changes.
- HighNew York
New York City names 12 districts where qualifying affordable housing bypasses City Council review from 2027
Qualifying applications in the listed districts get a 90-day public review starting January 1, 2027, so land use timelines and contract contingencies tied to the standard process need review.
- MediumNew York
New York City lets late 421-a rental projects switch options to reach 2031 deadline
A city rule lets Option C and G projects that missed the June 15, 2026 completion date change affordability options and remain eligible for the exemption, if they filed a timely letter of intent.
LocalHousing - LowDutchess County, NY
New York appeals court reinstates town denial of shared driveway for three new homes
The Second Department upheld the Town of Pleasant Valley's refusal of a sight-distance variance and open development area approval, reversing a trial court that had ordered the variance granted.
In courtHousingZoning & land use - HighNew York
New York City issues preliminary guidance on exempting housing rezonings from environmental review
A qualifying housing rezoning in New York City can now enter public land use review without an environmental assessment, while reviews of rezonings that do not qualify are now subject to statutory deadlines.
- MediumNew York
New York now sets deadlines for full environmental reviews and exempts some housing on developed sites
A local board that orders a full environmental review must now decide and finish within statutory time limits, and qualifying housing on previously disturbed sites is exempt from review.