Understand the Rulemaking Process

A rule is a type of law that is proposed and adopted by a City agency.  Rules are distinguished from other forms of laws by the process that agencies must follow to enact or amend them. This process is known as the City Administrative Procedure Act, or CAPA.  

CAPA is included in Chapter 45 of the New York City Charter. CAPA describes the steps that agencies must take when proposing a rule.  CAPA is meant to encourage engagement with the public and transparency in the rulemaking process.

The rulemaking process generally takes a minimum of 60 days, and during this period agencies are required to provide New Yorkers with an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed rules.