FAQ

In New York City, an E-Designation, also known as an Environmental Restriction, is a zoning designation that is used to identify properties that may have soil, soil vapor or groundwater environmental concerns. The E-Designation is intended to manage potential environmental impacts from development or other activities and usage. The (E) Designation assigned to a property after an impact study can be for Air Quality, Noise or Hazmat.

If a property owner in NYC has an E-Designation attached to their property, it means that there are environmental restrictions or requirements that apply to the property. The specific implications of the E-Designation will depend on the type of designation and the location of the property.

For example, if the E-Designation is related to hazardous materials, it may require that any development or other activity on the property be subject to an environmental review process, which may include soil and groundwater testing, remediation, or other measures to manage potential environmental impacts. This can add time and cost to any development or renovation plans for the property.

An E-Designation can impact a property owner’s ability to develop or use their property, but with the help of American Environmental, we can assist you to navigate the requirements and comply with all applicable regulations.

E-Designations in NYC are administered by the Department of City Planning and Zoning, and specific E-Designations are typically identified through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) process. During the ULURP process, the city evaluates proposed changes to land use and development in order to identify any potential environmental or other impacts. An (E) Designation may then be placed on specific tax lots for hazardous material, Air Quality of Noise Impact.

E-Designations are typically placed on properties for specific environmental reasons related to the property’s location and history. If the E-Designation is related to hazardous materials, it may be in place to manage potential soil, soil vapor or groundwater contamination due to the presence of contaminants on or near the property.

If a property owner or developer discovers that there is an E-Designation on their property, they should contact American Environmental at 718-209-0653 for assistance to navigate the requirements associated with the E-Designation to ensure that they are complying with all applicable regulations and requirements. This can help to minimize delays and costs associated with the development or use of the property and to ensure the long-term value and viability of the property.

Satisfying the environmental requirements of an E-Designation typically involves a process to address specific environmental concerns associated with the designated assigned to the property. Each designation may have unique environmental requirements, such as addressing hazardous materials, noise, air quality, or other concerns.

If you encounter challenges or have questions, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from American Environmental.

It’s important to note that the process of removing an E-Designation from a property involves several steps and typically requires approval from the relevant city agencies and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the E-Designation. Each case is unique, and it’s essential to work closely with American Environmental who specialize in environmental site assessment, remediation and regulatory compliance.

An E-Designation can influence property value by affecting its development potential and marketability. Properties with significant environmental concerns may have limitations on what can be built or may require costly remediation efforts.

An E-Designation impacts development plans by requiring developers and property owners to address and mitigate the identified environmental concerns during the planning and construction stages of redevelopment. This ensures that any proposed development takes into account and addresses potential hazards.

E-Designations can affect any type of property, including residential properties. The designation is not exclusive to commercial or industrial sites.

Yes, there are environmental remediation programs and grants that property owners can explore to address and mitigate the environmental issues identified by E-Designations. Grants are available through the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

E-Designations are updated as new environmental information becomes available or as the city implements changes in zoning regulations or planning initiatives.

Yes, E-Designations are tied to the property, not the owner. When a property changes hands, the new owner inherits the associated responsibilities and considerations related to the E-Designation.

E-Designations are not considered permanent, but they persist until changes occur, such as improvements in environmental conditions or successful remediation efforts.

Depending on the severity of the environmental issues identified, an E-Designation may impact property transactions. Some issues may be manageable, while others could pose significant challenges or costs. However, some of the most contaminated sites in NYC has been developed for reuse and now contains some of the expensive condominiums in NYC.

Yes, lenders may require additional due diligence for properties with E-Designations such as requiring a Phase II Subsurface Investigation after completion of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), and the presence of significant environmental concerns could influence loan terms.

The presence of an E-Designation may lead to increased scrutiny from lenders, who may adjust loan terms based on the identified environmental concerns or may want completion of additional environmental assessments. This emphasizes the importance of thorough due diligence when financing a property with an E-Designation.

Yes, information about E-Designations is publicly accessible through city databases. Anyone interested can access this information to learn about potential environmental issues associated with a property. If you need assistance navigating the E-Designation process, do not hesitate to contact American Environmental at 718-209-0653.

The Department of City Planning provides an online Zoning and Land Use map that allows individuals to check for E-Designations on specific properties.

American Environmental can also assist with E-Designation properties.

Yes, property owners have the option to challenge certain E-Designations by consulting with the Department of City Planning. This process may involve presenting additional information or evidence to contest the designation.

Property owners can challenge E-Designations by consulting with the Department of City Planning. This may involve presenting evidence or information that contests the accuracy or severity of the designation.