NYC Zoning Handbook:
Residential Districts: R3A
R3A districts permit modest single- and two-family detached
houses on lots that are substantially narrower than in R3-1
districts. It is the lowest density district to allow zero
lot line buildings (freestanding buildings that abut one side
lot line). R3A districts are characteristic of many of the
older sections of the city. Parts of Rego Park and Bellerose
in Queens and Eltingville in Staten Island are typical R3A
neighborhoods.
The maximum FAR (0.5 plus an attic allowance of up to 0.1
FAR) is the same as in R3-1 and R3-2 districts. Height
regulations are the same for all R3 districts; any part of a
building that is higher than 21 feet is usually set back or
under a pitched roof. In order to maintain the streetscape,
the front yard of a house in R3A districts must be at least
as deep as one of the adjacent front yards; it must be a
minimum of 10 feet deep but need not exceed 20 feet in depth.
One parking space is required for each dwelling unit.
Basic Data
R3A: Single- or two-family detached residences
- Minimum lot size: 2,375 square feet lot area;
- 25 foot lot width
- Maximum FAR: 0.5 plus 0.1 attic allowance
- Maximum lot coverage: controlled by yards
- Minimum lot area per DU: 1,185 square feet
- Maximum DUs per acre: 37
- Front yard: 10 feet minimum
- Side yards:
- Detached (2 required): 8 feet total (minimum)
- Zero lot line (1 required): 8 feet minimum
- (8 feet minimum between buildings)
- Maximum building height 35 feet; perimeter wall height 21 feet
- Required parking: One space per dwelling unit
