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1. What is a site plan?

Site plans are prepared for proposed new developments or modifications to existing developments. The site plan document contains drawings and related support materials, such as legal data, topography and natural features, building elevations, existing and proposed structures and utilities, and other information, as required by Section 7.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. This document allows the Building Department and the approving agency to review the site plan in accordance with Section 7.4 of the Zoning Ordinance. Site plans must be prepared and signed by a professional architect, landscape architect, land surveyor, or engineer licensed to practice in the State of New York.

2. Who approves a site plan?

The Common Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, or Commissioner of Building exercise site plan approval authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.2 of the Zoning Ordinance. When a site plan is part of another application such as a special permit use, the approving agency for the special permit usually also approves the site plan.

3. How can I find out what is required to prepare a site plan application?

The site plan application must conform to all of the requirements of Section 7 of the Zoning Ordinance, and must include an Environmental Assessment Form and Tree Preservation Plan. In addition to the formal application requirements, a cover letter from the applicant to the approving agency outlining, in general terms, what is being proposed should be included as part of the formal submission.

4. Where do I get the necessary forms and information about filing a site plan application?

Application information, number of copies, and forms can be obtained from the Department of Building, located at 7-11 South Broadway. Filing fees are required. The Department of Building's staff, as well as staff of other city departments, will answer questions about the application and the review process.

5. What happens after an application is filed with the Department of Building?

The Department of Building will first determine whether the application is complete and conforms with zoning. If all requirements are met, the Department of Building will send the application to the approving agency which will be responsible for the review and approval of the site plan.

Site plans are referred by the approving agency to appropriate city departments and agencies for review and comments, depending on the location and/or the proposed use of the site or building. In addition, the Westchester County Planning board and/or abutting municipalities receive referral for review and comment where required.

Every applicant should become aware of which city agency will be receiving a referral of the application from the approving agency. The applicant should find out the meeting place, time and date of all reviewing boards and agencies and determine if attendance at these meetings is necessary.

6. What action is required by the approving agency before I can start work on my project?

The approving agency, after receiving and considering comments from referral agencies, and fulfilling all the other requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and environmental reviews, will adopt a resolution approving, approving with conditions, or denying the application.

The approving agency resolution may contain conditions which need to be complied with before building permits are issued. In addition, any required changes or additions to the construction plans must also be completed and accepted by the Department of Building.

After the site plan is approved by the approving agency, any subsequent major changes to the plans must be approved by the agency with site plan jurisdiction.