Positive Changes to New York Tax Abatement Program Finally Pass New York State Legislature
In early July, after several years of policy and coalition meetings with local stakeholders, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is pleased to announce the passage of policy changes to the New York City Tax Abatement for Green Roofs. The Tax Abatement provides existing and new building owners with the opportunity to reduce property taxes in exchange for implementing a green roof.
"These changes are the result of considerable team work among a diverse range of New York City groups whose leaders care deeply about their city and wish to realize the massive potential of widespread green roof implementation to address climate change impacts and improve the health and well being of all residents," said Steven W. Peck, GRP, Founder and President, GRHC.
Working with a Coalition of groups and several GRPs from New York City including the New York City Soil and Water Conservation District, Brooklyn Green Roof, Riverkeepers, NYC Bird Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, New York and the SWIM Coalition, we have been able to remove several barriers to the Green Roof Tax Abatement Program in New York City and set the stage for greater support in the years to come. Changes to the Tax Abatement program include the following:
Extended the program to June 30, 2027
Minimum roof coverage of 50% is removed
Growth medium minimum depth requirement is reduced to 1.5 inches in both priority and non-priority districts
Requirement for controlled flow roof drain is removed
Abatement is raised to $10 per square foot in non-priority districts citywide. Priority districts, with greater stormwater and heat island challenges are eligible for larger tax abatements of $15 per square foot
Aggregate cap for the abatement program is $4 million per year (This should be much larger given the size of NYC but this will take more advocacy to achieve).
Abatement is granted on a first come first served basis
Applications for tax abatement must be filed by March 15, 2026.
For more information on Tax Abatement priority districts see: https://tnc-ny-science.github.io/NYC_GRTA_PriorityCDMap/
For more information about the program please visit:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/landlords-green-roof.page
About Us:
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is a non-profit 501(c)(6) professional industry association working to grow the green roof and wall industry throughout North America since 1999. Our mission is to develop and protect the market by increasing the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture through education, advocacy, professional development, and celebrations of excellence.
We publish The Living Architecture Monitor quarterly online magazine where industry leaders share their insights and expertise. These articles increase awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, walls and other forms of living architecture.
We also offer free access to The Living Architecture Academy, an online professional development platform which is dedicated to bringing you the best, most up to date professional training information on design, installation and maintenance practices across a wide range of green infrastructure topics. The LAA offers short lectures and multi-day courses such as: Green Roof Professional Training, Introduction to Green Walls, Biodiverse Green Roof Maintenance, and more.
We also publish the Green Pages: Industry Green Roof and Wall Directory which is designed to support you with your living architecture projects by providing a list of trusted manufacturers, suppliers of accessories, green walls, nurseries, and certified Green Roof Professionals (GRPs). From small-scale residential projects to large commercial installations, this directory has everything you need to find support to create a sustainable and beautiful living space.
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From the Living Architecture Monitor
