Zoning for Coastal Flood Resiliency

The New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) introduced a zoning text amendment to update the Special Regulations Applying in Flood Hazard Areas (Article VI, Chapter 4) of the New York City Zoning Resolution (ZR). The zoning change provides those living and working in the city’s floodplain the option to design or retrofit buildings to: (a) reduce damage from future coastal flood events, (b) be resilient in the long-term, and (c) potentially save on long-term flood insurance costs. It offers flexibility to waterfront sites to incorporate resiliency into the design of the water’s edge and its public spaces. The regulations are primarily applicable within the 100- and 500-year floodplains, though select provisions are applicable citywide. PHA prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the effects of the proposed zoning text amendment. As the prime consultant, PHA was responsible for project management, agency coordination, scoping, and EIS technical work.