New York Senate Bill S06847

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Engrossed: 5/19/26
• Refer: 5/19/26

Caption

Relates to enacting the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights"; requires the department of buildings to develop a bulletin known as the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights" advising homeowners who are adjacent to a property under development or construction of their rights and available resources and post such bulletin on the department's website.

Summary

This bill would create an “adjacent neighbors’ bill of rights” within the New York City Administrative Code. It directs the Department of Buildings commissioner to develop and publish a bulletin explaining the rights and resources available to homeowners whose properties border active development or construction sites. The bulletin must be posted on the department’s website, translated into the top ten languages used in New York City, and distributed to elected officials, community boards, and other organizations the commissioner deems appropriate. The required bulletin would cover several topics relevant to neighboring homeowners, including access to department records and approved plans, when a developer must negotiate a license agreement to enter a homeowner’s property, the homeowner’s right to request protective measures at a party wall such as crack gauges and vibration monitors, and the developer’s obligation to share current plans, specifications, surveys, or engineering reports related to the requested access. It would also include frequently asked questions and contact information for department resources related to plans and permits.

Impact

The bill amends the New York City Administrative Code by adding a new section requiring the Department of Buildings to provide standardized notice and guidance to adjacent property owners. It does not create new substantive construction rules or enforcement penalties, but it formalizes and centralizes information about existing rights, developer obligations, and available department resources for homeowners affected by nearby construction.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a homeowner-protection and transparency bill rather than a controversial regulatory overhaul. Its stated purpose suggests generally favorable treatment for adjacent property owners by improving access to information, especially for communities experiencing construction impacts. No formal opposition or support is documented in the provided materials.

Contention

The main policy tension implied by the bill is between homeowner protections and the administrative burden on the Department of Buildings and developers. Supporters would likely favor clearer notice, multilingual access, and practical guidance for neighbors dealing with construction-related access, damage prevention, and licensing issues. Potential concerns could come from developers or city agencies about added paperwork, broader disclosure expectations, or the possibility that the bulletin could encourage more disputes over access, party-wall protections, and construction impacts.