SEQRA Reform
May 28, 2026: SEQRA Reform Secured in State Budget
After months of intensive negotiations, Governor Hochul secured the transformational SEQRA reforms she sought and more in the final legislation included in the 2026-2027 State Budget, which the Governor signed into law today. This marks one of the most historic changes to New York’s environmental review process in decades and represents a major step forward in streamlining housing production, accelerating economic development, and addressing New York’s ongoing affordability crisis.
The New York State Builders Association was proud to work diligently and constructively with the Governor’s housing team and key legislative leaders throughout this process, providing the real-world experience and practical perspective that only builders and developers can offer. These long-overdue reforms will help remove unnecessary barriers to housing creation, encourage smart growth and investment, and make it easier to build the homes New Yorkers desperately need.
NYSBA would especially like to thank President Bruno Schickel, Government Relations Chair Tim Foley, and Dana Carotenuto of MirRam Group for their extraordinary time, effort, leadership, and unwavering commitment in helping achieve this landmark accomplishment for New York State. Their advocacy and dedication were instrumental in getting these reforms across the finish line.
Today is a tremendous victory for housing, for economic opportunity, and for the future of New York. Congratulations to Governor Hochul and everyone involved in making this historic achievement possible.
MIKE FAZIO
Executive Director
New York State Builders Association
NYSBA's Advocacy Materials
The materials below include NYSBA’s May 28 Press Release as well as formal comments on the Senate proposal and Assembly comments, and responses to concerns raised by environmental groups. These documents outline our support for provisions that promote efficiency and housing growth, as well as our opposition to measures that could increase costs, delays, and barriers to development. Click below:
Preliminary SEQRA Exemption Eligibility Self-Assessment Worksheets
As part of NYSBA's ongoing efforts to help members navigate New York's recently enacted SEQRA reforms, we have developed four Preliminary Self-Assessment Worksheets for SEQRA Exemption Eligibility, each tailored to a different project location and zoning status. These practical worksheets are intended as an informational resource to assist builders, developers, and design professionals in evaluating whether a proposed project may qualify for one of the new statutory SEQRA exemptions. The worksheets are not an official interpretation of the law, do not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with legal counsel. Final determinations regarding SEQRA exemption eligibility are made exclusively by the responsible government agency. Click below to access the guides:
For housing projects in cities with a population of 1 million or more; covers eligibility for the 250-units-or-fewer or 500-units-or-fewer exemptions.
Guide 2 – Urbanized Area Outside NYC
For housing projects in cities, towns, or villages under 1 million persons within a U.S. Census Bureau-defined urban area; covers eligibility for the 300-units-or-fewer exemption.
Guide 3 – Non-Urbanized Area With Zoning
For housing projects in cities, towns, or villages under 1 million persons outside a Census-defined urban area that have local zoning; covers eligibility for the 100-units-or-fewer exemption.
Guide 4 – Non-Urbanized Area Without Zoning
For housing projects in cities, towns, or villages under 1 million persons outside a Census-defined urban area without local zoning; covers eligibility for the 20-units-or-fewer exemption.