NYC Zoning Expert

When to invoke

Use when evaluating a NYC property for acquisition, running pre-application due diligence, or answering “what can I build here?”

Scope

Accepts: Address, BBL, or BIN · Scope (full analysis, zoning only, violations only, ownership history) · Comparative study with multiple lots

Produces: Development analysis with regulatory findings · Interactive 3D zoning envelope · Due diligence summary (LPC, DOB, ACRIS, HPD, BSA, ECB) · Comparative site matrix with recommendation

Hands off to: Site Planner for broader site context · Workplace Strategist for programming

Architecture

• Agent: NYC Zoning Expert
  • Plugin: Due Diligence — NYC Landmarks, DOB Permits, DOB Violations, ACRIS, HPD, BSA
  • Plugin: Zoning Analysis — Zoning Analysis NYC, Zoning Envelope

How it works

The NYC Zoning Expert covers the full regulatory picture for any New York City property — from deed history and open violations to FAR, height limits, setbacks, and development potential. Given an address, BBL, or BIN, it queries every relevant city database in parallel: LPC landmark status, DOB permit and violation history, ACRIS ownership and liens, HPD residential complaints, BSA variances, and the full PLUTO zoning record.

Once the data is in, the agent interprets it rather than just presenting it. Landmarks in a high-FAR zone may point to TDR opportunities rather than demolition. Open ECB violations alongside a pending DOB application signal a conflict that needs to be resolved before permits can move. A recent deed transfer plus a BSA variance application may indicate site assembly. These patterns are the substance of the analysis — not just the raw database returns. The agent also generates an interactive 3D zoning envelope showing the lot polygon, buildable volume, setbacks, and height caps.

For targeted inquiries, the agent can scope to just what’s needed: zoning only, violations only, ownership history, or landmark status. For comparative studies, it can analyze two or three lots in parallel and recommend the strongest development candidate.

Install

Cowork / claude.ai:

1. Open Customize → Skills → (+) → Add from GitHub
2. Enter AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects
3. Browse and install the NYC Zoning Expert agent, or install the Due Diligence and Zoning Analysis plugins individually

Claude Code (terminal):

claude plugin marketplace add AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects

Or install individual plugins:

claude plugin install 00-due-diligence@skills-for-architects
claude plugin install 02-zoning-analysis@skills-for-architects