The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) is one of the most important tools New Yorkers have to shape the future of their communities. It’s a legally required public process for major land use decisions that can impact housing, jobs, public spaces, and the character of your neighborhood for decades.
1. It Affects Everyday Life
ULURP projects often involve rezonings, new developments, or the sale of public land. These decisions can directly impact: • Housing – affordability, displacement risk, tenant protections • Jobs & Business – local hiring, small business survival • Public Space – parks, plazas, streetscapes • Infrastructure – transit, schools, sanitation, safety
2. It Puts the Community’s Voice on Record
Every stage includes public hearings where residents can testify. Written and oral comments become part of the official record, which decision-makers must review. This record can be used later to hold the City or developers accountable.
3. It Creates Pressure Points for Change
Elected officials, especially City Council members, often adjust or negotiate project terms based on strong, visible community input. Advocacy during ULURP can secure Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs), higher affordable housing percentages, or protections for cultural and historic sites.
4. It’s Time-Bound and Transparent
ULURP has a strict, public timeline (about 7 months once it starts). Residents know when and where decisions will be made, allowing for organized campaigns with a clear schedule. 5. It Can Stop or Transform Projects Some projects have been withdrawn or radically altered after intense community opposition during ULURP. More often, the process leads to negotiated improvements—better affordability, design changes, or commitments to local culture.
Stay informed. Show up. Speak out. Your voice matters in ULURP—it’s your chance to shape the future of your neighborhood.