NYC Board of Standards and Appeals

Board of Standards and Appeals approved project building

Navigating NYC’s Exception Authority with Confidence


Zoning Adjustment | Variance Appeals | Code relief | DOB Denials

📍 Serving: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens & Staten Island

🔍 What Does the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Actually Do?

 The BSA is independent from the NYC DOB and other enforcement agencies. Its purpose is to ensure fairness when rigid code or zoning rules unjustly burden property use. They have authority under:

  • NYC Charter Section 666

  • Zoning Resolution Article VII, Chapter 2

  • Administrative Code Title 25

The Board conducts hearings, accepts public testimony, and issues binding decisions. These can override DOB rejections and open doors to otherwise impossible development scenarios.

⚠️ Common Issues Referred to BSA

SLK Buildings helps resolve a wide range of BSA-related challenges, including:

  • 🧱 Zoning Variance Applications for height, setback, or use

  • 📃 Appeals of DOB Denials for permits or certificates

  • 🏛️ Landmark Conflicts with the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

  • ♻️ Environmental Objections and urban ecological disputes

  • 🧾 Administrative Violations issued by NYC agencies

  • 🏗️ Certificate of Occupancy Violations for use beyond what’s approved

  • 📏 Code Violations involving outdated or restrictive code conditions

If your project was halted by a DOB Stop Work Order, see our step-by-step guide to get work restarted.

NYC Board of Standards and Appeals Zoning Variances

NYC Board of Standards and Appeals Violations

NYC Board of Standards and Appeals Fines

NYC Board of Standards and Appeals Building Permits

NYC BSA Appeals

NYC BSA Code Interpretation

NYC BSA Physical Culture Establishments (PCE)

“BSA Project Success Guide: How to Win NYC Zoning Variances and DOB Appeals”

Free 8-page PDF e-Guide
Includes a checklist, timeline estimates, appeal scenarios, and visuals.

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Board of Standard and Appeals Project Success Guide

💼 Who Can Benefit from SLK’s BSA Services?

  • Architects needing height, yard, or FAR relief

  • Developers blocked by R5 or R6 zoning rules

  • Business owners denied C of O for use groups

  • Religious organizations, hospitals, or schools needing special permits

  • Homeowners with landmark conflicts or DOB violations

Contact NYC Boards of Standards and Appeals (NYC BSA)

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🔄 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the BSA process take?
A: Typically 6–12 months, depending on complexity and public objections.

Q: What are my chances of success?
A: Success depends on hardship documentation, precedent, and community support. We provide an honest assessment upfront.

Q: What happens after BSA approval?
A: The DOB will then review and issue permits based on the BSA ruling. SLK coordinates the entire post-approval filing.

Q: Is a lawyer required?
A: No, but representation by a zoning consultant or architect familiar with BSA is strongly recommended.

📍Local Service Areas

We have successfully managed BSA applications and appeals in:

🏙️ Manhattan – SoHo, UWS, Harlem
🏢 Brooklyn – Park Slope, Bushwick, Bay Ridge
🏘️ Queens – Long Island City, Forest Hills
🏚️ Bronx – Riverdale, South Bronx
🏖️ Staten Island – Tottenville, St. George