Common Plan of Development

01/03/26

“How can we build a large project in multiple distinct phases?”

Large construction projects often need to comply with stringent size-based regulations. Developers might subvert this by breaking up a large project into multiple sub-projects. To prevent this, U.S. governmental regulatory authorities will define projects with the same owner/developer completed in the same larger development plan as part of a Common Plan of Development. Permits will use the acreage of the total common plan of development to ensure construction operators meet planning requirements, such as stormwater pollution prevention plans.

Right of Way Dedication

01/02/26

“How can property owners transfer their land to use for public infrastructure?”

Public infrastructure such as roads and canals often relies on access to a legal right of way. Without this, parts of a municipality might not be accessible to the general public. One way property owners can increase the amount of public right of way is through a Right of Way Dedication. This involves transferring land from the property owner to the government agency to use for infrastructure. Property owners might use right-of-way dedications as leverage in land-use negotiations with government agencies.

Certificate of Occupancy

12/29/25

“How do NYC buildings show they comply with the legal uses allowed?”

Buildings in NYC are used for all sorts of purposes, ranging from dense multistory residential to industrial wastewater operations. Before people can occupy a building after construction or major redevelopment, the building owner must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the NYC department of Buildings by paying all fees to all related departments, all relevant violations have been solved, and other city agencies send all necessary approvals. Certificates of occupancy ensure that NYC regulations are met and the city functions well.

Lot Line Buildings

12/17/25

“What makes NYC buildings developed right up to property lines so special?”

NYC is famous for its tall, dense buildings. One factor that allows for such density is the availability of the Lot Line Buildings designation. Lot Line buildings are buildings developed right up to the property line, maximizing their potential floor space. Adjacent lot-line buildings will stand attached next to each other. Lot line buildings can have different heights from proximate developments, and windows from taller lot line buildings will look down on their neighbors. Because lot line buildings can grow vertically, windows on once-taller floors can get covered up by their neighbors. Potential buyers of lot line buildings must be aware of this factor during selection.

Limit of Disturbance

12/15/25

“How can we define the limit where land disturbing activity can take place?”

Construction activities disturb the land and soil, whether it’s for complex grading or simple excavation. Government bodies typically want construction operators not disturb sensitive areas such as impaired water bodies. One tactic is to set a Limit of Disturbance for construction. The limit of disturbance defines when and where construction activity can take place in light of local vulnerabilities. Limits of disturbance inform construction operators on where they can put construction activity.

Site Connection Proposals

12/11/25

“How do new buildings and major renovations in NYC detail how they will connect to the sewer system?”

New York City is the largest and most complex city in the United States. Furthermore, it’s located in a humid climate prone to major storms. Consequently, the sewer system is of vital importance to the city. New developments and major renovations in NYC are required to submit plans detailing how they will connect to the sewers using designs, flow calculations, pipe types, and city infrastructure impact. These Site Connection Proposals must be approved by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO). Site connection proposals are critical to maintaining NYC’s public infrastructure safety.

Sewer Operations Volume

12/10/25

“How can we represent how much stormwater runoff from a building will enter the sewers at peak storm time?”

New buildings can generate large amounts of stormwater runoff if they increase impervious surface. This can overwhelm sewers if they’re not attenuated. To manage this, New York City has developed a concept called Sewer Operational Volume. Sewer operations volume is a volume that must be accounted for to attenuate the flow of a 10-year storm to the city sewers. Sewer operations volume is only met if you restrict flow to the maximum release rate for the site. Regulating sewer operations volume is critical for NYC to protect its residents from the worst impacts of climate change.