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.
- 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.
- MediumErie County, NY
New York appeals court holds brownfield cleanup kept Buffalo scrap yard's grandfathered use alive
The Fourth Department upheld a zoning board finding that ongoing state brownfield remediation continued a nonconforming scrap yard use, so a new operator needed no use variance.
- 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 ties certificates of occupancy for older rentals in 25 communities to lead safety filing
From October 1, 2026, code officials in 25 upstate and suburban communities must find a lead safety certification on file before issuing inspection-based certificates for pre-1980 rental buildings with two or more units.
FinalZoning & land use - MediumNew York
New York City makes its anti-harassment permit check permanent and widens the buildings it covers
A law enacted September 12 keeps the no-harassment certificate required before demolition and major alteration permits past its 2026 sunset, with a new building list due by April 15, 2027.
LocalZoning & land use - 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 - MediumRockland County, NY
Orangetown, New York, halts new data center and battery storage approvals for 180 days
A Rockland County town has frozen permits for data centers and battery systems while it rewrites its zoning, but data center applications filed before July 1, 2026 may proceed.
- MediumNew York
New York City begins fining owners whose sidewalk sheds stand without façade repair progress
A Buildings Department rule in force since August 13 sets $5,000 to $20,000 penalties for missed façade repair milestones and requires an engineer's or architect's progress report at each shed renewal.
LocalZoning & 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 towns adopt battery storage moratoria, including Waterford, Walton, Halfmoon and Huntington
Waterford's 180-day moratorium expires November 29, 2026, and Walton has adopted a one-year moratorium that also reaches pending applications. Halfmoon adopted an extension of its own on March 4, 2026, and Huntington has reportedly voted a six-month pause. Walton cites a study of fire safety and siting standards.
- LowNassau County, NY
New York appeals court orders Nassau zoning board to accommodate synagogue use of a house
The Second Department annulled a Town of Oyster Bay variance denial on February 18, 2026 and sent the case back with a direction to grant the application on reasonable conditions. Other Second Department variance rulings this spring left board decisions in place.
In courtZoning & land use