R5B Zoning in NYC: Low-rise multifamily
R5B districts are a transition density: small apartment buildings and rowhouses up to roughly three to four stories. Citywide, 30,615 tax lots carry a primary R5B designation.
On the average R5B lot, roughly 23% of the allowed residential floor area is unused — the raw material of a rezoning-era investment thesis. The lowest-density districts where small multifamily new-builds regularly pencil; underbuilt corner lots are the classic target.
Where R5B lots are
FAQ
What is R5B zoning in NYC?
R5B is one of a transition density: small apartment buildings and rowhouses up to roughly three to four stories. Across New York City, 30,615 tax lots carry a primary R5B designation.
How built-out are R5B lots today?
On average, R5B parcels are built to a floor-area ratio of 1.15 against an average maximum residential FAR of 1.5 — roughly 23% of allowed floor area is unused on the average lot. Individual lots vary widely; check any specific parcel on the free NYRezone map.
Does City of Yes affect R5B parcels?
30,615 R5B parcels flag as potentially affected by at least one City of Yes for Housing Opportunity program in NYRezone's screening model. Program applicability is parcel-specific — verify each lot.
Screen every R5B parcel free
The NYRezone map scores all 30,615 R5B lots on unused floor area, City of Yes eligibility, and assemblage potential. No login.
Related R5 districts
Parcel figures derive from NYC Department of City Planning PLUTO data as processed by NYRezone. Zoning regulations are summarized for orientation only — always verify specifics in the NYC Zoning Resolution and with the Department of City Planning before acting on any parcel.