New York City views have long been considered priceless, but a new zoning regulation means they are at least as expensive as the cost of a roof screen.
As part of the Zoning for Carbon Neutrality (ZCN) initiative adopted in 2023, outdoor mechanical and energy infrastructure equipment, including rooftop water tanks, must be protected from view by a screening system (ZR §26-50 and §37-20). Solar wind and energy systems are exempt from the screening requirement.
The requirements are intended to balance the need for renewable energy and battery storage equipment with the visual impact of its presence in open spaces and on rooftops. The views from the street and the surrounding buildings determine whether screening is needed; ZR §26-50 and §37-20 specify the technical screening requirements.
The latest Department of Buildings (DOB) bulletin provides a flowchart and technical drawings for evaluating the need for and details of screening per project.
These requirements apply to new construction as well as to many existing buildings, so it’s important to determine now whether your building is impacted. Need help navigating the regulations? We can help.
