Building Codes regarding blocking view

It's true that city planning normally rezones that way, but you need to check the existing zoning for the buildings in the view, which is not always a simple task. If it's in an area that has fairly consistent zoning it might not be too hard to figure out. Having said that, in NYC you never really know with certainty.

What neighborhood, and on what floor approximately is the place you are looking at?

It's on the upper east side, in the 80's btw 3rd & lex. Place is on the 12th floor.

Do you know a good web site for researching this?

Don't believe this for a moment!! Check the NYC DOB website and enter the neighbors' addresses and see what they're planning by looking under "job filings." highrises are built all the time anywhere on a given block. Be careful- the only guarantee is if you're right on a park or right on the river!

never believe anything from a broker in nyc