If you have dealt with NYC property records, permits, or taxes, you have probably run into a BBL. It is the single most useful number for identifying a piece of real estate in New York City. Here is what a BBL is, how to find one, and why it matters.
What is a BBL?
BBL stands for Borough, Block, and Lot. It is the unique identifier the city assigns to every parcel of land. Almost every city system, property records, taxes, zoning, building permits, uses the BBL to pull up a specific property, which is why it is more reliable than an address alone.
A BBL has three parts:
- Borough (one digit): 1 = Manhattan, 2 = the Bronx, 3 = Brooklyn, 4 = Queens, 5 = Staten Island
- Block (up to five digits): the tax block the property sits on
- Lot (up to four digits): the specific parcel within that block
So a BBL written as 1-00835-0017 means Manhattan, Block 835, Lot 17.
How to find a property’s BBL
- ZoLa (the city’s Zoning and Land Use map): enter an address and it shows the BBL.
- ACRIS: when you search a property, the borough, block, and lot are listed on the records. See our ACRIS guide.
- Department of Finance property pages: the BBL appears on the property’s tax records.
Why the BBL matters for recording
When you record a deed or mortgage, the ACRIS cover page requires the correct BBL. An incorrect borough, block, or lot is a common reason a recording is rejected or gets attached to the wrong property. Getting it right is part of what we handle when we record documents for clients.
Recording a deed or mortgage? We prepare the cover page, BBL and all, and file it with ACRIS.
Frequently asked questions
Is a BBL the same as a tax lot?
The “lot” in the BBL is the tax lot. Together with the borough and block, it uniquely identifies the parcel.
Can two properties share a BBL?
No. Each BBL points to one tax lot. Condominium units, though, each get their own unit lot number under a shared block.
Where do I use the BBL?
ACRIS recording and searches, property tax lookups, zoning research, and building/permit records all use it. See how to find a property owner in NYC for a related search.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Confirm current procedures on the official NYC Department of Finance and City Planning websites.
Related: ZoLa NYC: How to Use the Zoning & Land Use Map
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