Yonkers Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Yonkers Zoning Overview
Yonkers is the fourth-largest city in New York State and the largest city in Westchester County, located immediately north of the Bronx along the Hudson River. The city encompasses a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and waterfront neighborhoods within its 20 square miles. Yonkers has undergone significant transformation in recent decades, with major mixed-use waterfront redevelopment projects along the Hudson River converting former industrial sites into residential and commercial districts.
The city's planning framework manages the pressures of proximity to New York City, including housing demand, transit-oriented development, and the balance between increasing density and preserving established neighborhood character. Yonkers's Comprehensive Plan and waterfront development strategy guide growth along the Hudson River corridor and around Metro-North commuter rail stations. The hilly terrain of eastern Yonkers and the flat waterfront areas create distinct development patterns across the city.
Key Zoning Districts
Yonkers uses an alphabetical zone system with residential zones (A through E), business zones (BA, BB, BC), and industrial zones (IA, IB). Zone A covers the lowest-density single-family areas in eastern Yonkers, while zones D and E accommodate higher-density apartment developments. The waterfront areas have been rezoned through planned development designations to accommodate large-scale mixed-use projects. The city has also designated transit-oriented development zones near Metro-North stations.
ADU Regulations
Yonkers allows accessory dwelling units in residential zones, consistent with state legislation and local provisions. ADUs are limited to 800 square feet and require owner occupancy. One additional parking space is generally required. The city views ADUs as a tool for addressing housing affordability in the high-cost Westchester County market.
Development Process
Development in Yonkers requires permits from the Department of Housing and Buildings. The Planning Board reviews site plans and subdivisions, while the Zoning Board of Appeals handles variances. Major projects may require review under SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) and referral to the Westchester County Planning Board under General Municipal Law Section 239.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Yonkers
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — New York
- Building Code: NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (2020 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (NY ADU legislation signed 2024)
County — Westchester County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, county planning review under GML Section 239
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 55 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 60 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
ADU Rules in Yonkers
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 additional space
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 8-12 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Yonkers are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Yonkers permit fees →