Green living in Riverdale is protected because of two sets of zoning regulations. We also have two historic districts which preserve pieces of our city's past for the education of future generations. Before you begin any major projects in or around your property, research zoning requirements. Know what historic district regulations require if you live in one of the districts.
Riverdale’s steep slopes, trees, and other natural features on private property are protected through a special set of zoning regulations called the Special Natural Area District. Turn to our zoning page for a summary of requirements and a link to zoning maps and text.
The distinctive, pastoral neighborhood character of some sections of Riverdale is protected under the city’s lowest residential zoning: R 1-1. This zoning envisions that Riverdale will keep its bucolic feel into the future, even as pressures to build intensify. Become familiar with the requirements for yards, building sizes and more on our zoning page.
The Riverdale Historic District was approved in 1990 and encompasses several blocks along Sycamore Avenue, south of West 254th Street. This District showcases buildings built in the 1850s as part of seven estates comprising one of the original suburbs in the United States. Buildings of later construction are also included in the district, but are regulated differently. The designation report by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and the District’s design guidelines are available on our historic preservation pages.
The Fieldston Historic District was approved in January 2005. According to the Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report, Fieldston’s “…picturesque, historical revival style architecture, set in a romantically landscaped setting, epitomizes suburban development in the United States during the early part of the twentieth century. This highly intact neighborhood stands among the country’s most significant suburban developments…”