NYC Zoning Handbook:
Residential Districts: R5B
R5B districts are mapped to preserve the traditional three-
story rowhouse and promote new rowhouse development. Detached
and semi-detached houses and zero lot line buildings are also
permitted. R5B districts are mapped in Windsor Terrace in
Brooklyn and along Northern Boulevard in Bayside, Queens.
Although similar to R4B districts, R5B districts permit
greater density and a higher FAR (1.35)—the attic allowance
does not apply—which typically produce bulkier three-story
rowhouses and garden apartments with more dwelling units. In
order to preserve the existing streetscape, the maximum
street wall height is 30 feet, above which the building
envelope slopes to a maximum roof height of 33 feet. The
minimum depth of the front yard is five feet. If the front
yards of the adjacent zoning lots are deeper than five feet,
the front yard must be at least as deep as one of the
adjacent front yards but not exceed the depth of the other
yard. Curb cuts are prohibited on lots less than 40 feet
wide. Front yard parking is prohibited. If parking is
grouped, space must be provided for at least 66 percent of
the dwelling units.
Basic Data
R5B: General residence district
- Minimum lot size:
- Detached, single- or two-family: 2,375 square feet lot area; 25 foot lot width
- Other: 1,700 square feet; 18 foot lot width
- Maximum FAR: 1.35
- Maximum lot coverage: 55%
- Minimum lot area per DU: 666 square feet
- Maximum DUs per acre: 65
- Front yard: 5 feet minimum
- Side yards:
- Detached (2 required): 8 feet total (minimum)
- Zero lot line (1 required): 8 feet minimum
- Semi-detached: 4 feet minimum (8 feet minimum between buildings)
- Other: none required
- Maximum building height: 33 feet;
- Maximum street wall height 30 feet
- Required parking: One space per dwelling unit or 66% of dwelling units if grouped
