Bill > A00597

This bill amends the Multiple Dwelling Law to expand the list of community districts where local governments can establish pilot programs for legalizing or converting certain basement and cellar dwellings. Specifically, the bill adds Brooklyn Community District five and Queens Community Districts three and four to the existing list of eligible districts. The original list already included several Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens community districts. The bill allows community boards in these newly added districts to adopt and submit a resolution supporting or opposing their inclusion in the pilot program within 90 days of the article's effective date. This type of legislation is significant because basement and cellar dwellings are often complex to legalize due to safety, zoning, and building code requirements, and these pilot programs aim to provide pathways for legalizing such living spaces. The bill will take effect immediately and is retroactively deemed in full force as of April 20, 2024, allowing local governments to begin implementing these expanded pilot programs.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A597