NYC Zoning Handbook:
Residential Districts: R7B
The regulations of R7B are similar to those of R7A and
encourage shorter buildings with higher lot coverage. The
lower FAR of 3.0 typically produces a six-story apartment
house that is traditional in R7B districts. Parts of Elmhurst
in Queens are typical of R7B neighborhoods which are mapped
throughout Queens.
A front yard with a minimum depth of five feet must be
provided on narrow streets. If the front wall of an adjacent,
existing building is set back from the street line between
five and 15 feet, the front wall of a new building must align
with that of the existing building. The maximum building
height is determined by the building envelope which may not
be penetrated by the building. The building envelope is
controlled by the intersection of front and rear sky exposure
planes that rise according to a specific ratio. The Quality
Housing Program is mandatory in R7B districts.
Basic Data
R7B: General residence district
- Maximum FAR: 3.0
- Maximum lot coverage:
- Corner lot: 80%
- Interior or through-lot: 65%
- Maximum front wall setback:
- Wide street: 8 feet
- Narrow street: 15 feet
- Front yard: 5 feet minimum
- Minimum lot area per DU: 227 square feet
- Maximum DUs per acre: 192
- Required parking: 50% of dwelling units
- Quality Housing Program: Mandatory
