Orienting to the NYC Overlay
We are proud to partner with, and certify, so many projects in New York City. The Enterprise Green Communities NYC Overlay is designed to recognize the unique built environment of New York City while ensuring alignment with the city’s building code and sustainability goals.
All projects in New York City, regardless of funding source, are required to follow the NYC Overlay. Download an Excel or PDF version of the 2026 NYC Overlay checklist below, or use the web-based checklist to explore the NYC Overlay, tally your points, and track progress. Substantial and moderate rehab projects are required to earn at least 35 optional points, and new construction projects are required to earn at least 65 optional points.
Enterprise Green Communities has different requirements depending on construction typology. Green Communities defines moderate vs. substantial rehabs in relation to ICC level alterations. HPD uses different thresholds to define rehab types and Green Communities eligibility. Be sure to confirm with HPD if your project is required to certify to Enterprise Green Communities.
*For full details and definitions please visit HPD's Classification Overview & Green Communities' Construction Typology Definitions.
Certification Timeline + HPD Milestones
Projects financed by HPD should visit HPD's page on the Green Communities Criteria and review additional HPD Protocol. Our standard review window, for all first time and re-reviews, is 30 days. New York City projects are eligible to request an expedited review of 10 business days. A fee of $250 will be collected for each expedited review or re-review.
