FAR — Floor Area Ratio
The lot square footage multiplier used to determine how much total Zoning Floor Area, or ZFA, can be built on a lot. Essentially, you multiply the lot sqft by the FAR to get the total Zoning Floor Area (ZFA)

ZFA — Zoning Floor Area
The amount of floor area that zoning allows to be built on a lot. ZFA is similar to Buildable Square Feet (BSF) and is often used to describe the total allowable development rights for a property.

BSF — Buildable Square Feet
The total amount of square footage that can be built on a property, including any existing structures. Often used interchangeably with ZFA.

Air Rights — Development Rights
A common real estate term used to describe unused development rights on a property. In NYC zoning, “air rights” usually refers to unused ZFA or BSF that may be available on a lot and, in some cases, transferable to another property depending on zoning rules.

Standard FAR / BSF
The base allowable buildable area before applying any potential bonus from QRS, UAP, MIH, or other zoning programs.

QRS — Qualifying Residential Site
A City of Yes zoning provision that may apply to certain R1–R5 districts. Sites that meet specific criteria may qualify for additional residential FAR and expanded housing options.

UAP — Universal Affordability Preference
A citywide optional affordable housing bonus that applies in R6–R12 districts, allowing additional residential floor area when permanently affordable housing is provided.

MIH — Mandatory Inclusionary Housing
A zoning requirement usually mapped through a rezoning. It requires certain new large residential developments to include permanently affordable housing units.

Commercial Overlay
A mapped commercial zoning layer placed over a residential district, allowing certain commercial uses in addition to the underlying residential zoning.

Narrow / Wide Street Zoning
A zoning rule where, if applicable, lots within 100 feet of a street that is 75 feet or wider may use the “wide street” FAR.

Community Facility
A zoning term for buildings or spaces that provide essential public or community services, including schools, hospitals, libraries, daycare centers, houses of worship, and similar uses.

Multi-Family Zoning
Zoning that allows three or more dwelling units. This generally includes R3-2, R4, all R5 districts except R5A, and all R6–R12 districts. Multi-family housing is also allowed on qualifying QRS sites.