Unequal Exceptions: Zoning Relief in New York City, 1998–2017. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fischer, Lauren Ames; Stahl, Valerie E.; Baird-Zars, Bernadette
• Is Part Of: Journal of planning education and research. Volume 42:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: zoning implementation -- spatial analysis -- neighborhood change -- collective efficacy -- zoning variances -- special permits -- ad hoc planning -- land-use institutions -- zoning relief -- incrementalism; Implementación de la norma de zonificación -- análisis espacial -- cambio a nivel de barrio -- eficacia colectiva -- desviaciones de la norma de zonificación -- permisos especiales -- planificación Ad Hoc -- instituciones de uso del suelo -- exenciones de la norma de zonificación -- incrementalismo; 区划实践 -- 空间分析 -- 社区变化 -- 集体效能 -- 区划差异 -- 特殊许可 -- 特许规划 -- 土地利用机构 -- 规划豁免 -- 渐进主义; Regional planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; City planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; 307.12
• DOI: 10.1177/0739456X18811532
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-456X

Abstract

Zoning relief, the process of exempting individual properties from land-use regulations, is a widespread yet underexplored planning practice. A mixed-methods analysis of applications to the Board of Standards and Appeals in New York City between 1998 and 2017 examines three clusters of zoning relief. The results suggest a strong relationship between relief and neighborhood socio-political capital and underscore relief as a powerful form of ad hoc planning. Zoning relief practices in New York City deepen inequalities but also facilitate planning goals such as disaster recovery and allowing families to grow in place. Zoning relief has long-lasting consequences on urban development and deserves increased attention from planning scholars.