Zoning, Land Use and Landmark Preservation in New York City

GoldmanHarris LLC is a boutique law firm focusing on zoning and land use in the five boroughs of New York City.

Development is a collaborative process, involving owners, developers, architects, lawyers, engineers, consultants, lenders, public officials, and others.  The professionals at GoldmanHarris are all veterans of the City’s development process.     

Senior partners Howard Goldman and Caroline G. Harris have, between them, almost eight decades of experience in New York City land use, including the Counsel’s Office of the Department of City Planning and some of the City’s leading law firms.  Howard and Caroline founded GoldmanHarris in 2008 because of their love of the City, commitment to planning and zoning, and desire to help clients navigate the City’s maze of rules and regulations in a practical, efficient and creative manner.

The firm also includes Eric Vath, our new partner and a trained architect who was a senior zoning analyst at one of the City’s largest code consulting firms, and Diane Luebs, a planner and former interim director of code and zoning at one of the City’s largest code consulting firms. 

GoldmanHarris II LLC, a certified WMBE, is a sister firm to GoldmanHarris.    

 
 

Contact Us

475 Park Avenue South, Suite 2803
New York, New York 10016

(212) 935-1622

Chambers.com USA
GoldmanHarrris LLC rankings
USA Guide 2023

https://chambers.com/law-firm/goldmanharris-llc-usa-5:120120

Best Lawyers 2024 client comments

I can always count on Goldman Harris for professional, competent, and responsive representation.

Goldman Harris is a tremendous law firm that specializes in Land Use Matters in NYC. Caroline Harris of Goldman Harris is an amazing resource for my clients and I.

Carrie Harris, of Goldman Harris, speaks and writes with an in-depth knowledge of New York City zoning derived not only from research, but also from market experience.

Land use and zoning law is a specialty practice, and Goldman Harris is well-versed in all of the nuances. They are responsive and are a pleasure to work with. Their fees are reasonable.

Goldman Harris has been assisting us on our ongoing land use needs as we evaluate our property portfolio for development potential. Carrie is thorough, responsive and thoughtful in her approach to our unique problems.

Caroline and Howard of Goldman Harris are absolutely the best, and their efficiency and cost-effectiveness cannot be beat. They are creative problem solvers, and I never hesitate to refer them work.

I was in an unfortunate situation where the zoning of a building changed where I was the owner/operator of the restaurant, along with managing the residential apartments above. I hired Goldman Harris, and with their clear path, we worked with multiple city agencies to navigate the very difficult zoning laws. They showed compassion to my specific situation and led me to the path of achieving something that most small mom and pop business owners never have the chance of doing based on timing and the exhaustive costs involved. Goldman Harris reduced their fees and genuinely cared about or dilemma. Fast forward over 11 years later, we are a thriving business employing almost 100 employees.

Goldman Harris assisted out organization with processing a New York City rezoning through ULURP. Their team helped us through the process which many of our team had not directly led before. Carrie and her team were great teammates in this effort. She has wonderful relationships throughout the city.

Goldman Harris has been the first counsel to discuss when we look for a new acquisition opportunity. Very accessible and prompt in response with their expertise in NY region for real estate.

Goldman Harris, in my opinion, is the best Land Use and Zoning law firm in NYC. They are very professional, knowledgeable and extremely pleasant to work with. I highly recommend Goldman Harris.

These comments were collected as part of the Best Law Firms® research process.

Areas of Practice


Due Diligence and Analysis

Real Estate/Zoning Transactional Support and Structuring

Development Rights, Special Permits, Variances, Rezonings

Litigation Support - Analysis of Claims and Expert Testimony

City Planning Commission/Department of City Planning

Board of Standards and Appeals

Landmarks Preservation Commission

Department of Buildings

 
 

Our Team

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Diane Luebs

Planning & Development Specialist

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Eric Vath

Partner