C4-2F Zoning is a General Commercial Zoning district in NYC. In C4-2F you can build a variety of commercial building uses, community facilities, and residential buildings. C4-2F has a Residential Equivalent Zoning of R8.
C4-2 Zoning Districts:
C4-2F Residential Equivalent:
- R8
C4-2F Zoning Regulations
The C4-2F is a General Commercial Zoning District with residential and commercial uses. This is mapped in a small area of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. C4-2F has a wide range of commercial uses.
C4-2F Residential Equivalent
Most Commercial Zoning districts have a Residential Equivalent. This means you are allowed to develop a residential building within the commercial zoning district. You follow the residential equivalent zoning requirements in the case of a residential development. The residential equivalent for C4-2F is R8 Zoning.
Mixed Use Building
You can develop a mixed use building with commercial and residential zoning. In this case you would apply the requirements of C4-2F and R8 in designing the building.
C4-2F Zoning Specifications
C4-2 Commercial Floor Area Ratio (FAR):
Floor Area Ratio determines the floor area that can be built on the property.
FAR = 3.4
The FAR is for Commercial Floor Area.
C4-2 Community Facility Floor area Ratio
FAR = 6.5
Yard Requirements for Commercial Use in C4-2F
Side Yards
Side Yards are not required, but if side yards are provided they must comply with the following:
At minimum 8 feet in width or
At minimum 5 feet in width with an average width of 8 feet.
Some special circumstances will require side yards.
Rear Yard
20 Foot rear yard required
C4-2F Height And Setback
Initial Setback Distance
20 feet on narrow street
15 on wide street
Building Height Within Initial Setback Distance = 60 feet or 4 stories whichever is less
Sky Exposure Plane Vertical to Horizontal
Narrow Street Sky Exposure Plane = 2.7 to 1
Wide Street Sky Exposure Plane = 5.6 to 1
C4-2F Alternate Height And Setback
Alternate height and setback regulations can apply if you provide open space for the entire length of the front lot line.
Depth Of Optional Front Yard
15 feet on narrow street
10 on wide street
Sky Exposure Plane Height Above Street Line = 60 feet
Sky Exposure Plane Vertical to Horizontal
Narrow Street Sky Exposure Plane = 3.7 to 1
Wide Street Sky Exposure Plane = 7.6 to 1
New York City Zoning
The New York City Zoning Resolution is complicated and quite in depth. In this article we will review some basic Zoning Codes with regards to commercial zoning district C4-2F.
Thank You for reading our Blog Post on C4-2F Zoning in NYC.
I hope this was helpful. You can leave questions or comments below. If you want to discuss a specific project with an architect please feel free to contact us directly.
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Jorge Fontan, AIA, is an architect and founder of Fontan Architecture based in New York City. The firm focuses on residential design, including new homes and extensive renovations for discerning clients. Through collaborative dialogue that draws on the individuality of each client, projects develop as distinct architectural responses guided by thoughtful planning, precise detailing, and a commitment to creating enduring value.
