Housing (Zoning)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2586: Limits the authority of cities, villages and towns to impose certain zoning requirements

This bill limits local governments' ability to set zoning rules for residential development. It prohibits cities, villages, and towns from requiring minimum lot sizes larger than 1,200 square feet (or 5,000/20,000 sq ft for towns with infrastructure), banning off-street parking requirements (except for freight), and restricting multi-family housing. Specifically, it allows up to four families in single-lot dwellings anywhere residentially permitted, and up to six families near transit stops (within 1/4 mile of subway/rail stations). These changes directly affect developers, homeowners, and local planning decisions by restricting how communities can regulate housing density and lot design.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers (min lot size, parking) to enable more multi-family housing, increasing supply and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 50: Enacts the New York city arts space act

This bill creates tax benefits for buildings in New York City that provide affordable space for arts organizations. It directly affects eligible nonprofit arts groups (tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3)) and building owners who rent space to them. Key provisions require rent to stay at or below $20 per square foot annually, with higher tax exemptions for lower rents - up to 100% tax exemption for spaces rented at $10/sq ft or less, provided owners offer tenant improvements. The benefits apply for the duration of the lease, with specific rules to maintain affordability and meet city zoning requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax exemptions (up to 100%) for buildings renting to arts groups at low rents, directly reducing taxable income for qualifying properties.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates tax incentives for affordable arts space (rent ≤ $20/sq ft, 100% exemption at $10/sq ft), directly advancing affordable housing for nonprofit arts organizations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Taxes Renters Zoning

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5497: Establishes certified recovery residences for individuals recovering from substance use disorder

This bill establishes certified recovery residences - supportive housing for 4-14 people recovering from substance use disorder - with state aid covering up to 50% of construction or operating costs. It requires providers to seek municipal approval for facility locations, giving local governments 40 days to review sites, suggest alternatives, or object based on neighborhood impact. If disputes arise, the state commissioner resolves them within 15 days, considering existing facility density and community character. The bill directly affects individuals in recovery, providers operating these residences, and local governments managing site approvals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds (up to 50% of costs) for certified recovery residences, directly funding essential health services through state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds recovery residences to reduce recidivism through substance use treatment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of improving rehabilitation programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides state funding (50% cost coverage) for certified recovery residences, a healthcare service addressing substance use disorder treatment access and support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds certified recovery residences with state aid covering 50% costs, advancing supportive housing for vulnerable populations through direct financial support and development facilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Homelessness Zoning

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 8, 2025

S 188: Limits the authority of cities, villages and towns to impose certain zoning requirements

S 188 limits local governments' zoning authority by restricting minimum lot sizes, parking requirements, and multi-family housing restrictions. Cities and villages cannot set minimum lot sizes above 1,200 square feet, require off-street parking (except for freight loading), or block four-family dwellings on single lots. Towns face similar limits, with minimum lot sizes capped at 5,000 square feet (with utilities) or 20,000 square feet in some areas. The bill also allows six-family dwellings near transit stations (within ¼ mile of commuter rail/subway) without height/setback restrictions that would prevent construction. These changes directly affect cities, villages, and towns in their zoning regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers to multi-family housing (e.g., banning four-family dwellings), enabling denser development and increasing housing supply.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5903: Clarifies extension of uniform land use review procedures to not-for-profit entities

Clarifies the extension of uniform land use review procedures to any not-for-profit organization or corporation proposing to provide shelters to the homeless irrespective of any declaration of an emergency or a finding of need for immediate action.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingClarifies land use procedures for homeless shelters, removing barriers to nonprofit housing development and directly addressing homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Land Use Zoning

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6778: Enacts the "accessory dwelling unit incentive act"

Enacts the "accessory dwelling unit incentive act" to establish the accessory dwelling unit forgivable loan program by the division of homes and community renewal; defines terms; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes forgivable loans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), increasing housing supply and affordability through development incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 2084: Relates to requiring municipalities to determine whether it is in the public interest to create and periodically update a comprehensive plan

Requires municipalities to determine whether it is in the public interest to create a comprehensive plan adapted to the special requirements of the municipality and to determine whether it is in the public interest to update such comprehensive plan at least once every ten years to ensure that such plan addresses housing needs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires municipalities to address housing needs in comprehensive planning updates, ensuring housing considerations are integrated into local development strategies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Historic Preservation Land Use Zoning Tags Local Government

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 16, 2026

A 9255: Establishes the build up New York pilot program and the mass timber for affordable housing program to encourage the use of mass timber in affordable housing retrofits and additions

Establishes the build up New York pilot program to provide grants to eligible municipalities that construct new accessory dwelling unit housing projects built on top of existing buildings that utilize mass timber and serve certain households; establishes the mass timber for affordable housing program to provide tax credits for eligible taxpayers who use mass timber in certain new construction or major retrofits of existing buildings that primarily serve households up to one hundred fifty percent of the area median income; establishes tax credits for mass timber production.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits for mass timber housing projects and grants for municipal affordable housing initiatives, advancing fiscal support for housing affordability.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates grant and tax credit programs specifically for affordable housing retrofits, additions, and new construction using mass timber, directly funding and advancing affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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died · New York · Senate Feb 25, 2026

S 595: Establishes the small rental housing development initiative to provide funding to eligible applicants to construct small rental housing developments in eligible areas

Establishes the small rental housing development initiative to provide funding to eligible applicants to construct small rental housing developments in eligible areas.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides funding for small rental housing construction, directly advancing affordable housing development through new funding initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights Zoning

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1492: Relates to low or moderate income housing projects

Relates to low or moderate income housing developments; allows local zoning boards of appeals to approve affordable housing developments; provides for an appeals process to the division of housing and community renewal; creates a state zoning board of appeals within the division to hear such appeals; directs the division to conduct a study to integrate low income housing tax credit applications with the zoning application process under this act.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIntegrates low-income housing tax credit applications with zoning, facilitating tax credit access for affordable housing development.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables zoning approvals for affordable housing projects, creates state appeals process, and integrates tax credit applications - directly advancing housing development access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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