Please note that the guidance below was updated March 23 and is available here.
New York City zoning and land use operations have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This legal alert is intended to inform our clients of the updates to procedures and next steps.
City Planning Commission
All land use determination processes and timelines have been temporarily suspended, including public hearings before local Community Boards, Borough Presidents, and the City Council. We have been in contact with the Department of City Planning staff, who are currently working remotely. At this time, applications and revisions are still being processed. Please contact us with any questions regarding new applications or revisions to an existing application.
Board of Standards and Appeals
New and revised applications may still be submitted to the Board. However, they must be submitted electronically. Please contact us with any questions regarding new applications or revisions to an existing application. We have spoken with the Board Director, and there has been no formal decision regarding the March 24th and April 7th hearings.
FDNY Criminal Court Summonses
The Court is adjourning all cases until further notice. New dates are tentatively set typically three to four months out from the original scheduled hearing date. The Court's clerks office is open, so please let us know if you have any questions regarding a new or defaulted summonses.
Environmental Control Board ("OATH") violations
OATH offices are open for business. Individuals may still fight violations in-person on scheduled hearing dates. However, OATH is accommodating all requests to reschedule hearings and will be transitioning to the option of telephonic hearings. Also, commencing on March 19th, 2020, ECB is staying all defaults and will automatically reschedule hearings for those who do not appear.
The Real Estate Department at Pryor Cashman stands ready to guide you through these legal issues during these uncertain times. We are available to review your specific situation to discuss COVID-19's impact on your real estate agreements and to discuss any questions you may have to help ensure safe passage through this storm.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
