If you want to know how a NYC property is zoned, what can be built on it, or how it is being used, the free tool for that is ZoLa. Here is what ZoLa is, how to use it, and how it fits alongside ACRIS.
What is ZoLa?
ZoLa is New York City’s Zoning and Land Use map, built by the Department of City Planning. It is a free, interactive web map that lets you look up the zoning, land use, and planning information for any lot in the city. It works on any device, and you can save and share what you find.
What you can find on ZoLa
- The property’s zoning district and what it allows
- Land use and lot details
- Whether the property is in a historic district or special purpose district
- The property’s Borough, Block, and Lot (BBL)
- Links to the building’s public records and ownership
How to use ZoLa
Open ZoLa and search one of three ways: by address, by BBL (Borough, Block, Lot), or by BIN (Building Identification Number). The zoning panel opens automatically and shows the district and land use for that lot. From there you can drill into the details or jump to the property’s records.
ZoLa vs ACRIS: which one do you need?
They answer different questions:
- ZoLa tells you how a property is zoned and used, what can be built, and what district it is in.
- ACRIS tells you who owns it and shows the recorded deeds and mortgages. See our ACRIS guide.
Buyers and investors often use both: ZoLa to understand what a property is, and ACRIS to see the ownership and the paper trail. If you are trying to identify the owner, start with how to find a property owner in NYC.
Buying or transferring a property? We notarize and record your deed with ACRIS.
Frequently asked questions
Is ZoLa free?
Yes. ZoLa is a free public tool from the NYC Department of City Planning.
What is the difference between ZoLa and ACRIS?
ZoLa is for zoning and land use; ACRIS is for ownership and recorded documents like deeds and mortgages.
Can I search ZoLa by BBL?
Yes, by address, BBL, or BIN. Not sure of the BBL? See our NYC BBL lookup guide.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Confirm current features on the official NYC Department of City Planning ZoLa site.
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