Full SNAD regulations are found in Article X, Chapter 5 of the zoning resolution.
The New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) is preparing changes to the SNAD regulations. The Preservancy participates in the Bronx SNAD Working Group and attended four Working Group meetings in the summer and autumn of 2015. Read the Preservancy's comments to DCP here.
For clarification of regulations, or to begin the project permitting and approval process, call the Bronx Office of City Planning, at 718-220-8500.
Enforcement of zoning regulations is by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). If you believe someone is in violation of the zoning regulations, you can report your observations to the city’s 311 phone center. You must provide an address, or if in the case of new construction there is no address, the block and lot or nearest street intersections. An inspector will be sent out and a stop work order or notice of violation issued as appropriate.
The SNAD is a set of zoning regulations that protect natural features on private property. The SNAD regulations work with the residential or commercial zoning of a property, they do not replace it.
In January 2015, the Preservancy asked the Community Board, "what is the value of a SNAD if a property can be stripped of its glorious trees...it is time to review the SNAD regulations and modify and strengthen them were appropriate. "
The Department of City Planning (DCP) listened. We are participating on a task force advising DCP on revisions to SNAD zoning. We are optimistic about the direction and intent of the changes.
Since 2015 -
What's next?
With your help, in 2017 the Preservancy will work with the DCP on two fronts:
Find out the details from City Planning's Website by clicking here.
Read detailed descriptions of these natural features.
SNADs are mapped "only in areas where outstanding natural features or areas of natural beauty are to be protected. The preservation of such areas is important because they contain areas of special ecological significance, interesting geological formulations and rock outcrops, unique aquatic features such as tidal wetlands, unique topographic features such as palisades, valleys and hills, important plant life such as glaciated oak-chestnut forests or because they serve as habitats for native flora and fauna." (Section 7412-10 of the zoning text)
The NYC Planning Commission adopted Special Natural Area District (SNAD) zoning regulations in 1974. The Commission updated and strengthened the regulations in 2005.
The SNAD in Riverdale is one of only four SNADs mapped in New York City. Two others are located on Staten Island and one is located in eastern Queens.
Page last updated: December 16, 2016
