The provisions of this Section shall apply to existing required or permitted accessory off-street parking spaces, public parking lots and public parking garages, established prior to October 25, 1995, in the Long Island City area, as applicable, and to existing buildings developed without the provision of parking.

(a)        Existing parking facilities

Within the Long Island City area, existing required or permitted accessory off-street parking spaces, public parking lots and public parking garages established prior to October 25, 1995, shall be subject to the applicable zoning district regulations in effect prior to October 25, 1995, except that:

(1)        any reduction or elimination of existing accessory off-street parking spaces that were required under the applicable provisions in effect prior to October 25, 1995, shall not be permitted; and

(2)        enlargements, extensions or any increase in the number of off-street parking spaces within such off-street parking facilities that result in a capacity not otherwise allowed under the applicable regulations of Section 16-10 (PERMITTED OFF-STREET PARKING IN THE LONG ISLAND CITY AREA) shall only be permitted by special permit by the City Planning Commission pursuant to the applicable provisions of Section 16-35 (Special Permits).

(b)        Existing buildings developed without parking

Within the Long Island City area, existing buildings developed without the provision of parking may add up to 15 accessory off-street parking spaces only where the City Planning Commission authorizes such additional spaces pursuant to the provisions of Section 16-341 (Limited increase in parking spaces for existing buildings without parking).