NYC Zoning Handbook:
Residential Districts: R4
R4 districts allow the same variety of housing types as R3-2
districts but with a higher density. The 50 percent increase
in the FAR produces bulkier structures. The maximum FAR is
0.75 with an attic allowance of up to 0.15 FAR. In general,
buildings are no taller than three stories. Any part of a
building that is higher than 25 feet is usually set back or
under a pitched roof. In order to provide sufficient space
for on-site parking and prevent cars from protruding onto the
street, front yards must be 10 feet exactly or a minimum of
18 feet. Height and setback requirements may be waived by
authorization of the City Planning Commission. One parking
space is required for each dwelling unit.
R4 districts are widely mapped in all boroughs except
Manhattan. Most neighborhoods zoned R4 are not served
directly by rail rapid transit. Sections of College Point in
Queens, Throgs Neck in the Bronx and Canarsie in Brooklyn are
typical R4 neighborhoods.
Basic Data
R4: General residence district
- Minimum lot size:
- Detached, single- or two-family:
- 3,800 square feet lot area;
- 40 foot lot width
- Other: 1,700 square feet;
- 18 foot lot width
- Maximum FAR: 0.75 plus 0.15 attic allowance
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Minimum lot area per DU: 970 square feet
- Maximum DUs per acre: 45
- Front yard: 18 feet minimum or 10 feet exactly
- Side yards:
- Detached (2 required): 13 feet total (minimum); 5 feet minimum
- Semi-detached (1 required): 8 feet minimum
- Other (2): 8 feet each (minimum) if provided or 10% of building length
- Maximum building height: 35 feet; perimeter wall height: 25 feet
- Maximum street wall length: 185 feet
- Required parking: One space per dwelling unit
