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Agent Architecture Studio · Zoning & Entitlements

# NYC Zoning Expert

Full property and zoning analysis for any New York City lot.

[Install ↓](#install) [8 skills ↓](#skills) [View on GitHub →](https://github.com/AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects) [All agents →](/agents)

## 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](/agents/site-planner) for broader site context · [Workplace Strategist](/agents/workplace-strategist) for programming

## Architecture

-   **Agent:** NYC Zoning Expert
    -   **Group:** Due Diligence — [NYC Landmarks](/skills/nyc-landmarks), [DOB Permits](/skills/nyc-dob-permits), [DOB Violations](/skills/nyc-dob-violations), [ACRIS](/skills/nyc-acris), [HPD](/skills/nyc-hpd), [BSA](/skills/nyc-bsa)
    -   **Group:** Zoning Analysis — [Zoning Analysis NYC](/skills/zoning-analysis-nyc), [Zoning Envelope](/skills/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.  Install **Architecture Studio** — it includes this agent and its skills

**Claude Code (terminal):**

```
claude plugin marketplace add AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects
```

Then install the plugin:

```
claude plugin install as@skills-for-architects
```

## Skills it uses

[01

### /nyc-landmarks

LPC landmark and historic district check for NYC buildings

→](/skills/nyc-landmarks) [02

### /nyc-dob-permits

DOB permit and filing history for NYC buildings

→](/skills/nyc-dob-permits) [03

### /nyc-dob-violations

DOB and ECB violations for NYC buildings

→](/skills/nyc-dob-violations) [04

### /nyc-acris

ACRIS property transaction records — deeds, mortgages, liens

→](/skills/nyc-acris) [05

### /nyc-hpd

HPD violations, complaints, and registration for residential buildings

→](/skills/nyc-hpd) [06

### /nyc-bsa

BSA variances and special permits for NYC properties

→](/skills/nyc-bsa) [07

### /zoning-analysis-nyc

Buildable envelope analysis for lots in New York City

→](/skills/zoning-analysis-nyc) [08

### /zoning-envelope

Generate interactive 3D zoning envelopes from analysis reports

→](/skills/zoning-envelope)