The provisions of this Chapter shall apply in Special Purpose Districts in the Community Districts listed in Section 15-01, as may be modified in the provisions of such Special Purpose Districts, except that the Preservation Area of the Special Clinton District is excluded from the applicability of the provisions of this Chapter.

In Community Districts not listed in Section 15-01, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply in the following Special Purpose Districts:

any Special Mixed Use District as modified by Article XII, Chapter 3 (Special Mixed Use Districts);

the Special Downtown Jamaica District as modified by Article XI, Chapter 5 (Special Downtown Jamaica District);

the Special St. George District as modified by Article XII, Chapter 8 (Special St. George District); and

the Special Coney Island District as modified by Article XIII, Chapter 1 (Special Coney Island District).

Conversions in buildings, or portions thereof, in C6-1G or C6-2G Districts shall be permitted only by special permit pursuant to Section 74-782 (Residential conversion in C6-1G, C6-2G, C6-2M, C6-4M, M1-5B, M1-5M and M1-6M Districts).

Except as specifically set forth in Sections 15-013 and 15-024, the provisions of this Chapter are not applicable in M1-5B Districts.

In M1-6D Districts, the conversion to dwelling units of non-residential buildings erected prior to January 1, 1977, or portions thereof, shall be permitted, subject to Sections 15-11 (Bulk Regulations), 15-12 (Open Space Equivalent) and 15-30 (MINOR MODIFICATIONS), paragraph (b), except as superseded or modified by the provisions of Section 42-481 (Residential use).

(a)        Building permits in Manhattan Community Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

If, before April 9, 1981, a building permit was lawfully issued for an alteration based upon plans filed and pending with the Department of Buildings on or before September 1, 1980, construction pursuant to such permit may be continued, at the option of the owner, without regard to the other provisions of this Chapter. In the event that the construction permitted herein is not completed within 2 years from the issuance of said building permit or prior to April 9, 1982, whichever is later, and a temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy has not been issued, the building permit shall automatically lapse for any portion of a building for which a permanent or temporary certificate of occupancy has not been obtained and the right to continue construction on such floor area shall terminate, except that the Board of Standards and Appeals may reinstate said permit pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this Section:

(1)        for all floor area for which the Board has made a finding that, as of April 9, 1981;

(i)        there was substantial construction in compliance with the approved plans pursuant to which said lapsed permit had been granted; and

(ii)        the completed construction demonstrated a physical commitment of the floor area to a layout as residential or joint living-work quarters for artists use, which construction could not be readily adapted to a non-residential use permitted by the Zoning Resolution.

A finding of substantial construction shall not be made unless, on April 9, 1981, the floor area was either vacant or occupied by residential or joint living-work quarters for artists use, and unless the expenditures prior to April 9, 1981 were significant in proportion to the costs of construction of the entire project, not including the costs of acquisition, demolition, professional fees or financing;

(2)        for all floor area for which the Board has made a finding that, as of the date said building permit lapsed, there was substantial construction in compliance with the approved plans pursuant to which said lapsed permit has been granted.  A finding of substantial construction shall not be made unless, as of the date said permit lapsed, the floor area was either vacant or occupied by residential or joint living-work quarters for artists use, and unless the expenditures prior to the date said permit lapsed were significant in proportion to the costs of construction of the entire project, not including the costs of acquisition, demolition, professional fees or financing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, the building permit shall only be reinstated pursuant to the provisions of this Section, provided that for any portion of the building for which said permit is reinstated:

(i)        the conversion shall comply with the provisions of Sections 15-12, 15-24 or 42-14, paragraph D.(1)(e), as appropriate in the zoning district in which the building being converted is located, except that the Board may modify the requirements of Sections 15-12, 15-24 or 42-14, paragraph D.(1)(e), provided that the rooftop open space was not permitted under said building permit and the Board determines that the roof either is unsuited for open space use or cannot be made suitable for open space use at a reasonable cost;

(ii)        there shall be double glazing on all windows in all dwelling units or such other window treatment as the Board deems appropriate;

(b)        Building permits in Brooklyn Community Districts 1, 2, 6 and 8 and Queens Community Districts 1 and 2

If, before October 25, 1984, a building permit was lawfully issued for an alteration based upon plans filed and pending with the Department of Buildings on or before April 1, 1984, construction pursuant to such permit may be continued.

(c)        Variances

If, before April 9, 1981, in Manhattan Community Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, or before October 25, 1984, in Brooklyn Community Districts 1, 2, 6 and 8 and Queens Community Districts 1 and 2, a variance to permit the conversion of a building or portion thereof, to residential or joint living-work quarters for artists use, which variance has not lapsed pursuant to the provisions of Section 72-23, and a building permit was issued in accordance with the terms of said variance for such conversion by the Department of Buildings within two years of the grant of said variance, construction pursuant to such permit may be continued, without regard to the other provisions of this Chapter.

Dwelling units converted pursuant to the provisions of this Section which are not subject to the provisions of this Chapter shall also not be subject to the provisions of Section 32-42 (Location Within Buildings).

(a)          In M1-5 and M1-6 Districts located within the rectangle formed by West 23rd Street, Fifth Avenue, West 31st Street and Eighth Avenue, no new dwelling units shall be permitted.  However, dwelling units which the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission determines were occupied on September 1, 1980, shall be a permitted use provided that a complete application for a determination of occupancy is filed by the owner of the building or the occupant of a dwelling unit in such building not later than June 21, 1983. For the purposes of Article 7C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, such a determination of residential occupancy on September 1, 1980, shall be deemed to permit residential use as-of-right for such dwelling units.

All dwelling units permitted pursuant to this paragraph (a) shall be required to comply with the requirements of Sections 15-22 (Number of Permitted Dwelling Units) or 15-024 (Special bulk regulations for certain pre-existing dwelling units, joint living-work quarters for artists and loft dwellings) where applicable, and with Section 15-23 (Light and Air Provisions).

Where the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission has determined that floor area was occupied as dwelling units on September 1, 1980, and where such dwelling units are located in a building which, on the date of application to the Department of City Planning under the provisions of this Section, also has floor area which is occupied by referenced commercial and manufacturing uses,  the Chairperson may permit that any floor area in the building be used for dwelling units provided that:

(1)        the total amount of floor area to be used for dwelling units does not exceed the amount of floor area occupied as dwelling units on September 1, 1980;

(2)       referenced commercial and manufacturing uses located on floor area to be used for dwelling units that has been offered a new or amended lease within the building, with a minimum term of two years from the date of application, at a fair market rental for the same amount of floor area previously occupied, and such lease is not subject to cancellation by the landlord;

(3)        any residential tenant who occupied a dwelling unit shall be relocated to a dwelling unit within the building with a floor area equal to not less than 95 percent of the amount of floor area in the dwelling unit previously occupied; and

(4)        as a result of such action by the Chairperson, residential uses will be located on stories above manufacturing uses.

(b)          In M1-6 Districts located within the rectangle formed by West 35th Street, Fifth Avenue, West 40th Street and Sixth Avenue, no dwelling units shall be permitted, except that:

(1)        dwelling units which the Chairperson determines were occupied on May 18, 1981, shall be a permitted use provided that a complete application to permit such use is filed by the owner of the building or the occupant of the dwelling unit not later than June 21, 1983. For the purposes of Article 7C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, such a determination of residential occupancy shall be deemed to permit residential use as-of-right for such dwelling unit.

(2)        in any building for which an alteration application for conversion of floor area used for non-residential use to dwelling units or for an extension or minor enlargement of existing residential use, was filed prior to May 18, 1981, dwelling units shall be permitted, provided that such alterations shall comply with the regulations in effect on the date of such filing.  The right to convert to dwelling units or extend or enlarge existing residential use pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall expire one year from July 23, 1981, unless a temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy has been issued.

(c)          In C6-1G and C6-2G Districts, in all manufacturing and commercial buildings except police stations, courthouses and fire houses, or portions thereof, erected prior to December 15, 1961, residential use shall not be permitted unless the Commission has granted a special permit pursuant to Section 74-782 (Residential conversion in C6-1G, C6-2G, C6-2M, C6-4M, M1-5B, M1-5M and M1-6M Districts).  However, if the Chairperson determines that floor area in such buildings was occupied for residential use on April 1, 1984, such residential use shall be permitted to remain and no special permit shall be required, provided that a complete application for determination of occupancy is filed by the owner of the building or the occupant of a dwelling unit in such building not later than April 17, 1985.

(d)        In C8 and M1 Districts, no new dwelling units are permitted.  However, within such districts in the following areas:

(1)        Areas in Brooklyn Community District 1

(i)        bounded by South 10th Street, Berry Street, Division Avenue and Wythe Avenue;

(ii)        bounded by South 6th Street, Broadway, Driggs Avenue, South 8th Street and Wythe Avenue;

(iii)        bounded by South 4th Street, Driggs Avenue, South 5th Street and Berry Street;

(iv)        bounded by North 4th Street, Berry Street, North 3rd Street and Wythe Avenue;

(v)        bounded by Metropolitan Avenue, Havemeyer Street, Hope Street and Roebling Street; and

(2)        Area in Brooklyn Community District 2, bounded by Water Street, Washington Street, Plymouth Street, Bridge Street, Front Street, Jay Street, York Street, Washington Street, Front Street and Dock Street;

dwelling units which the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings determines were occupied on June 4, 1981, and are located in a building in which more than 45 percent of the floor area consists of dwelling units that were occupied on June 4, 1981, shall be a permitted use, provided that a complete application for a determination of occupancy is filed by the owner of the building or the occupant of a dwelling unit in such building not later than May 30, 1986.

Such a determination of residential occupancy on June 4, 1981, shall be deemed to permit residential use as-of-right for such dwelling units.

Dwelling units converted under the provisions of this Chapter are not subject to the provisions of Section 32-42 (Location Within Buildings).

The owner or developer of a building converted under the provisions of this Chapter and containing one or more dwelling units and one or more commercial or manufacturing uses above the first story shall be required to notify all prospective residential occupants of such dwelling units that:

(a)        such dwelling units are located in a building containing commercial or manufacturing uses which the City is committed to maintain; and

(b)        such prospective occupants should make any investigation they deem necessary to determine that the conditions existing or permitted to exist are not offensive to such prospective occupant.

Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the owner or developer shall file an affidavit with the Department of Buildings that such notice will be provided in all residential leases and offering plans.

(a)        The minimum size, yard and density requirements of Sections 15-111, 15-22, 43-17 and 111-40 (REQUIREMENTS FOR LOFT DWELLINGS CONSTRUCTED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 13, 2010), may be replaced by the requirements of this Section for dwelling units, joint living-work quarters for artists or loft dwellings:

(1)        existing on September 1, 1980, for which a determination of residential or joint living-work quarters for artists occupancy has been made pursuant to paragraph (b) of Section 15-021, paragraph (a) of Section, 15-215, paragraph (b) of Section 42-324, paragraph (c)(2) of Section 42-325, or Section 74-782; or

(2)        that are registered Interim Multiple Dwellings or are found covered by the New York City Loft Board pursuant to Article 7C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law; or

(3)        that the Loft Board determines were occupied for residential use or as joint living-work quarters for artists on September 1, 1980.

(b)        Unless required by the Loft Board for the legalization of Interim Multiple Dwelling Units in the implementation of Article 7C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, dwelling units or joint living-work quarters for artists described in paragraph (a) and existing on such dates may not be divided subsequently into units or quarters of less than 1,200 square feet, and loft dwellings may not be divided subsequently into dwellings that do not meet the requirements of Section 111-40.

No building that meets the density requirements of Section 15-111 or paragraph (c) of Section 111-40, may subsequently add additional units or quarters except in accordance thereof. No building to which the regulations of this Section have been applied may subsequently add additional units or quarters except in accordance with the requirements of Sections 15-111.

(c)        In lieu of the stated minimum size, yard, and density requirements of Sections 15-111, 15-22, 43-17 and 111-40, the following regulations shall apply:

(1)        The minimum size of a dwelling unit, joint living-work quarters for artists, or loft dwelling may be no less than 415 square feet of floor area, provided that all of the following requirements are met:

(i)        the unit or quarters shall contain one or more windows that open onto a street or 30 foot yard;

(ii)        the area of such required window shall be not less than eight percent of the floor area of the unit or quarters and 50 percent of the area of such required window shall be openable; and

(iii)        the interior dimension of the wall in which such required window is located shall be no less than 12 feet in width; or

(2)        The minimum size of a dwelling unit, joint living-work quarters for artists, or loft dwelling may be no less than 600 square feet of floor area, provided that all of the following requirements are met:

(i)        the unit or quarters shall contain one or more windows that open onto either:

(a)        a 10 foot yard, where the window sill of such required window is at least 23 feet above curb level;

(b)        a 15 foot yard, where the window sill of such required window is less than 23 feet above curb level;

(c)        a court with a minimum dimension of 15 feet perpendicular to such required window and 375 square feet or more in area; or

(d)        a street;

(ii)        the minimum horizontal distance between such required window opening onto a yard and any wall opposite such window on the same or another zoning lot shall be at least 15 feet;

(iii)        the area of such required window shall be no less than five percent of the floor area of the unit or quarters, and 50 percent of the area of such required window shall be openable;

(iv)        the interior dimension of the wall in which such required window is located shall be no less than 12 feet in width;

(v)        the average width of such unit or quarters shall be no less than 14 feet; and

(vi)        not less than two-thirds of the floor area of the unit or quarters shall have a floor-to-ceiling height of nine feet or more.

The maximum number of dwelling units permitted shall be determined in accordance with the applicable district regulations. However, where the total floor area on the zoning lot exceeds the maximum floor area permitted by the applicable district regulations, such excess floor area may be converted in its entirety to residences. Such excess floor area shall be included in the amount of floor area divided by the applicable factor in Section 23-20 (DENSITY REGULATIONS).

For the conversion of non-residential floor area to residences, pursuant to Section 74-71 (Landmark Preservation), in C7, C8 and Manufacturing Districts, the maximum number of dwelling units shall equal the total floor area to be converted to residential use divided by the applicable factor listed in the following table. Fractions equal to or greater than three quarters resulting from this calculation shall be considered to be one dwelling unit.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS

In addition, the following provisions shall apply:

No floor area shall be converted to rooming units. Dwelling units may be distributed anywhere within a building provided that any portion of a dwelling unit located in a cellar shall also comply with the provisions of Section 15-112 (Light and air provisions).

Mezzanines constructed pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Administrative Code shall be allowed within individual dwelling units provided that the gross area of such mezzanine does not exceed 33 1/3 percent of the floor area contained within such dwelling unit. Such mezzanines are permitted only in buildings with an existing floor area ratio of 12 or less, and only between floors, or between a floor and a roof, existing on January 22, 1998, that are to remain. Such mezzanines shall not be included as floor area for the purpose of calculating the minimum required size of a dwelling unit or for calculating floor area devoted to dwelling units.

The density provisions of this Section may be replaced by the regulations of Section 15-024 for dwelling units that are registered Interim Multiple Dwellings or are covered by the New York City Loft Board pursuant to Article 7C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law or that the Loft Board determines were occupied for residential use on September 1, 1980.

(a)        Spaces other than rooms:

(1)        Mezzanines shall be lit and ventilated in accordance with the provisions of Section 27-732 (Natural light requirements) and Article 6 (Standard of Natural Ventilation) of the New York City Building Code.

(2)        Cellar space is not permitted in dwelling units with three and one-half rooms or fewer, unless such dwelling units contain at least 1,200 square feet of interior floor area.

(3)        Spaces, other than "living rooms," kitchens, bathrooms or mezzanines, with a minimum width of five feet in the narrowest dimension measured perpendicular to a wall enclosing such space, are not permitted in dwelling units with two rooms or fewer, unless such dwelling units contain at least 1,200 square feet of interior floor area.

(b)        Every dwelling unit shall meet the light and air requirements of Section 277 of the Multiple Dwelling Law.

(c)        Width to depth ratio

Where there is more than one dwelling unit per story, the average width of each dwelling unit shall be at least one fourth of the depth. Depth is the farthest point within the dwelling unit from the exterior building wall containing windows used to meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this Section, measured perpendicular to such building wall.  Width is the distance between exterior dwelling unit walls measured perpendicular to the depth.

The amount or configuration of floor area to be preserved may be modified in accordance with the provisions of Section 15-215 (Modification for existing dwelling units).

The amount of floor area to be preserved for permitted commercial or permitted manufacturing uses shall be in accordance with Table I of this Section, if the floor area to be converted is located in a C6-2M or C6-4M District, and in accordance with Table II of this Section, if the floor area to be converted is located in an M1-5M or M1-6M District, unless modified by the City Planning Commission pursuant to Section 15-51. Such floor area shall be comparable to the floor area to be converted, as required by Section 15-213.

Such floor area may be preserved in the building to be converted, or in any other building within the same mixed-use area, as defined in Section 15-21.

Except as provided in Section 15-215, floor area may not be preserved on portions of floors. If the floor area which must be preserved includes a fraction of a floor, the next highest number of full floors must be preserved for permitted commercial or permitted manufacturing uses. Floor area used for home occupations may not be used to meet the requirements of floor area and stories which must be preserved for commercial or manufacturing use. No accessory living or sleeping accommodations shall be permitted in the floor area preserved for permitted commercial or permitted manufacturing uses.

All requirements for preservation of floor area shall be determined by the entire lot area of the zoning lot, and by the total floor area of the building to be converted, regardless of the amount of floor area being converted within the building. For the purposes of this Section, any portion of the building to be converted that has a residential certificate of occupancy shall be excluded from the building's total floor area.

Any building that has been partially converted pursuant to Section 15-21 and has complied with the preservation requirements of such Section, shall not be required to preserve additional floor area for any subsequent conversion.

TABLE I

FOR CONVERSION IN C6-2M OR C6-4M DISTRICTS

FLOOR AREA PRESERVED FOR PERMITTED COMMERCIAL OR

PERMITTED MANUFACTURING USE*

TABLE II

FOR CONVERSION IN Ml-5M OR Ml-6M DISTRICTS

FLOOR AREA PRESERVED FOR PERMITTED COMMERCIAL OR

PERMITTED MANUFACTURING USE*

________

*        All requirements for preservation of floor area shall be determined by the entire lot area of the zoning lot, and by the total floor area of the building to be converted, regardless of the amount of floor area being converted within the building.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15-211, Table I as set forth in this Section may be substituted for Table I in Section 15-211, and Table II in this Section may be substituted for Table II in Section 15-211 governing the amount of floor area to be preserved, provided that such preserved floor area will be occupied by a commercial or manufacturing use that has been in occupancy for two years prior to the application for a certification under the provisions of Section 15-21 or by referenced commercial or manufacturing uses, and subject to the following conditions:

(a)        Where the preserved floor area is occupied by an existing commercial or manufacturing use for two years immediately preceding the date of application for a certification under Section 15-21, or where the preserved floor area is occupied by referenced commercial or manufacturing uses, the landlord shall present a lease, signed by both the landlord and such tenant, and certified as recorded by the Office of the City Register of New York County.

Such lease shall:

(1)        be for a period of not less than three years from the date of application for such certification with provision for two years renewal at the tenant’s option; and

(2)        not be subject to cancellation by the landlord.

(b)        Where the preserved floor area is occupied by any such use for two years immediately preceding the date of application under Section 15-21, and such occupant is the owner of said floor area, the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission shall require that the certificate of occupancy designate the preserved floor area for referenced commercial or manufacturing uses for a period of five years from the date of such certification.

(c)        Where the preserved floor area will be occupied by referenced commercial or manufacturing uses but no such tenant is yet occupying the floor area, the owner shall covenant to preserve such floor area for referenced commercial or manufacturing uses, in the legal commitment required pursuant to Section 15-214.

TABLE I

FOR CONVERSION IN C6-2M OR C6-4M DISTRICTS

REDUCED FLOOR AREA AND FLOORS PRESERVED FOR PERMITTED

COMMERCIAL OR PERMITTED MANUFACTURING USE*

TABLE II

FOR CONVERSION IN M1-5M OR M1-6M DISTRICTS

REDUCED FLOOR AREA AND FLOORS PRESERVED FOR PERMITTED

COMMERCIAL OR PERMITTED MANUFACTURING USE*

*        All requirements for preservation of floor area shall be determined by the entire lot area of the zoning lot, and by the total floor area of the building to be converted, regardless of the amount of floor area being converted within the building.

Where the floor area to be preserved is not located within the building to be converted, such floor area must be comparable to floor area in the building to be converted.  Comparability, shown by an affidavit from a professional engineer or a registered architect, licensed under the laws of the State of New York, shall exist where the floor area to be preserved meets the following criteria:

(a)        Elevators: load and number

The load and number requirements of this paragraph shall not apply when the floor area to be preserved is located on the ground floor or has level access to a street or loading facility.

(1)        Load

Each elevator shall have a minimum load of 2,000 pounds. The total load of all elevators servicing the floor area to be preserved shall be in accordance with the following ratio:

(2)        Number

There shall be a minimum of two elevators. The number of elevators servicing the floor area to be preserved shall be in accordance with the following ratio:

Notwithstanding the above, where there is only one elevator servicing the floor area to be converted, there may be one elevator servicing the floor area to be preserved if the following exist:

(i)        the floor area to be serviced by the elevator in the building to be preserved does not exceed the floor area serviced by the elevator in the building to be converted by more than 10 percent; and

(ii)        the ratio of the volume of the elevator servicing the floor area to be preserved to the floor area to be preserved is at least 90 percent of the ratio of the volume of the elevator servicing the floor area to be converted to the floor area to be converted.

If the number of elevators required pursuant to the above ratio includes a fraction of an elevator, this fraction shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

(b)        Floor load

The floors shall have a minimum live load capacity of 100 pounds per square foot (100 psf).

(c)        Size of floors

(1)        The floor area shall be located on floors of not less than 3,000 square feet or 50 percent of the size of the floors in the building to be converted, whichever is greater.

(2)        Floor area may not be preserved on portions of floors.

(d)        Loading facilities

The loading facilities shall be at least equal in number to those in the building to be converted.  In addition, if such building has an off-street loading dock, the building containing the floor area to be preserved must have such off-street loading facilities.

(e)        Column spacing

There shall be a minimum distance between columns of 15 feet, measured on center.  In addition, the average distance between columns shall not be less than 90 percent of the average distance between columns in the building to be converted.

(f)        Height of stories

The stories shall have an average minimum height of 10 feet.

The Chairperson of the City Planning Commission may authorize a modification of the requirements listed in paragraphs (a), (c)(1) or (d) of this Section, pursuant to the regulations of paragraph (c) of Section 15-30 (MINOR MODIFICATIONS).

(a)        Prior to the issuance of an alteration permit for the conversion of floor area to residential use, the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission shall certify compliance with the requirements of Section 15-21 upon proof of a legal commitment to preserve and maintain the required floor area for permitted commercial or permitted manufacturing use. Such legal commitment shall be executed by all parties having any interest in the floor area to be preserved as shown by a certificate issued by a title insurance company licensed to do business in the State of New York showing all such parties in interest.

A "party in interest" in the tract of land shall include only (W) the fee owner thereof, (X) the holder of any enforceable recorded interest superior to that of the fee owner and which could result in such holder obtaining possession of all or substantially all of such tract of land, (Y) the holder of any enforceable recorded interest in all or substantially all of such tract of land which would be adversely affected by the preservation as required herein, and (Z) the holder of any unrecorded interest in all or substantially all of such tract of land which would be superior to and adversely affected by the preservation required herein and which would be disclosed by a physical inspection of the tract of land.

A copy of the legal commitment required herein shall be recorded in the Conveyances Section of the Office of the City Register of New York County upon certification.

(b)        The floor area to be preserved shall not already have been preserved by a legal commitment under the provisions of Section 15-21, as evidenced by the report from the title company issued pursuant to (a) above.

(c)        When preservation obligations pursuant to Section 15-211 or 15-212 are transferred between buildings, the amount of floor area required to be preserved shall not be reduced by the existence of a previously issued legal commitment for preservation on a portion of the floor area in the building.

(d)        Any building that has been partially converted pursuant to Section 15-21 and has complied with the preservation requirements of such Section, shall not be required to preserve additional floor area for any subsequent conversion.

The requirements of Section 15-211 or 15-212 regarding the amount or configuration of floor area to be preserved for permitted commercial or permitted manufacturing uses may be modified by the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission provided that:

(a)        such floor area has a residential certificate of occupancy, or consists of registered Interim Multiple Dwellings, or is found covered by the New York City Loft Board pursuant to Article 7C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, or was occupied as dwelling units as of September 1, 1980, and a complete application for determination of occupancy has been filed with the Department of City Planning by the owner of the building or the occupant of a dwelling unit in the building not later than June 21, 1983.  For the purposes of Article 7C of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, such a determination of residential occupancy shall be deemed to permit residential use as-of-right for such floor area; and

(b)        as a result of such residential occupancy, the remaining amount of floor area in the building is less than the amount required to be preserved for permitted commercial or manufacturing uses pursuant to Section 15-211 or 15-212, or consists of portions of floors.

Such modification of the preservation requirement shall be the minimum necessary in order to permit the legalization of existing dwelling units for which a determination of occupancy has been made.

Notwithstanding the above, the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission shall not issue a certification pursuant to Section 15-21 until an application for such certification and modification is submitted by the owner of the building.