Reading Guide
1. What does Department of City Planning (DCP) certification of an application mean?
DCP certification of an application means that all the necessary forms, plans and documents are present and that the application is ready for review.
2. Who are the major participants in the review process?
The major participants in the review process are Community Board, Borough President and the City Council. If necessary, the Borough Board is also involved.
3. What is the time allotted for each phase of the process?
Within 60 days of receiving the application, the Community Board is required to hold a public hearing, submit a written recommendation to CPC, the applicant, the Borough President, if necessary, the Borough Board.
Within 30 days of receiving the Community Board recommendation (or within 30 days of the expiration of the CB review period, should they fail to send a recommendation) the Borough President should send a recommendation to the City Planning Commission.
Within 60 days of the Borough President’s review, the CPC must hold a public hearing and approve, approve and modify or disapprove the application.
4. What role does the mayor play in the review process?
The mayor can veto an application within five days of the vote, but otherwise a decision by the City Council should be considered final.
5. Which bodies must hold a public hearing during the review process?
The Community Board and the City Planning Commission must hold public hearings.
6. Who makes the final decision in the approval or disapproval of a land use application?
The City Council decision is considered final unless the mayor vetoes the Council action.