New York City Council
Committee on Housing and Buildings
Nov 19, 2024
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 43 min
Summary
A hearing on two pieces of legislation related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartment legalization.
Discussions focused on:
- Creating a regulatory framework for ADUs
- Establishing a pilot program to convert existing basement or cellar apartments to habitable dwelling units
- Addressing the city's housing crisis while improving safety for existing illegal units
Key points included allowing one ADU per property, setting safety standards, and potential impacts on affordability and neighborhood character.
The legislation is part of the broader "City of Yes" zoning initiative to increase housing supply citywide.
Features testimony from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of City Planning (DCP), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Pierina Sanchez opens the hearing on ADUs and basement apartments
Council Member Pierina Sanchez calls the hearing to order and introduces herself as the chair of the committee on housing and buildings. She thanks attendees for joining the hearing to …
0:00:39
·
27 sec
Council Member Sanchez outlines the severity of New York City's housing crisis
Council Member Sanchez presents a stark picture of the housing crisis in New York City, emphasizing its widespread impact on residents. She highlights the urgent need for more housing, particularly …
0:01:07
·
36 sec
The critical role of ADUs and basement apartment legalization in addressing housing needs
Council Member Sanchez emphasizes the importance of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartment legalization in addressing New York City's housing crisis. She highlights both the housing benefits and safety …
0:01:43
·
142 sec
Overview of proposed legislation for ADUs and basement apartment conversion
Council Member Sanchez introduces two pieces of legislation proposed by the mayor to address ADUs and basement apartment legalization in New York City. - T 2024-2764: A local law to …
0:04:06
·
29 sec
Additional legislation on affordable housing reporting and homeowner rights
Council Member Sanchez introduces two additional pieces of legislation to be discussed during the hearing, focusing on affordable housing transparency and homeowner rights. - Introduction 850: Requires the Department of …
0:04:35
·
49 sec
Council Member Sanchez acknowledges staff and committee members
Council Member Sanchez concludes her opening remarks by expressing gratitude to her staff and the housing and buildings committee staff for their work on the hearing and related issues. - …
0:05:24
·
45 sec
Introduction and overview of ADUs and basement apartments
Kim Darga, Deputy Commissioner for Development at HPD, introduces the topic of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartments. She emphasizes their importance in addressing New York City's livability, safety, …
0:06:30
·
43 sec
New York City's housing crisis and the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan
Kim Darga addresses New York City's severe housing crisis and introduces the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan as a solution. This citywide text amendment aims to increase housing …
0:07:53
·
74 sec
Benefits of ADUs for homeowners and communities
Kim Darga explains the various benefits that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can provide to homeowners and communities in New York City. ADUs are presented as a solution to multiple housing …
0:09:07
·
96 sec
Comparison of New York's ADU policies to other major cities
Kim Darga compares New York City's current ADU policies to those of other major U.S. cities, highlighting the need for reform. She emphasizes that New York is behind in allowing …
0:10:43
·
85 sec
Pre-considered T 2024-2764: Local law changes for ADU regulations
Kim Darga outlines the proposed local law changes in pre-considered T 2024-2764, which aims to regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and ensure their safety. The bill sets out rules to …
0:12:09
·
3 min
Pre-considered T 2024-2765: Pilot program for legalizing basement and cellar apartments
Kim Darga describes pre-considered T 2024-2765, which establishes a time-limited program to legalize basement and cellar apartments in certain community districts. The legislation aims to address the widespread issue of …
0:15:58
·
136 sec
Safety measures and requirements for ADUs and basement apartments
Kim Darga details the safety measures and requirements for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartments under the proposed legislation. These rules aim to ensure the safety of occupants and …
0:18:16
·
42 sec
Tenant protections in the proposed legislation
Kim Darga outlines the tenant protections included in the proposed legislation for basement and cellar apartment legalization. These protections aim to safeguard the rights of current occupants during the legalization …
0:18:59
·
48 sec
Intro 850: Reporting requirements for HPD on affordable housing projects
Kim Darga addresses Intro 850, which requires the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to submit quarterly reports on affordable housing projects. The agency expresses support for transparency while …
0:19:48
·
24 sec
HPD's upcoming project management system implementation
Kim Darga highlights the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's (HPD) ongoing efforts to implement a new project management system. This system will enhance the agency's ability to oversee and …
0:20:14
·
46 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams supports ADU and basement apartment legalization bills
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams expresses support for two bills (Intro 2764 and 2765) aimed at legalizing and regulating accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartments in New York City. He …
0:21:24
·
123 sec
Introduction and question about ADU legalization in other jurisdictions
Council Member Pierina Sanchez opens the discussion on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartments legalization. She references examples from other jurisdictions like Atlanta, Chicago, and California that have legalized …
0:23:29
·
42 sec
Lessons learned from successful ADU programs in other jurisdictions
Kim Darga, Deputy Commissioner for Development at HPD, discusses the lessons learned from successful ADU programs in other jurisdictions. These insights have influenced the drafting of the proposed legislation in …
0:24:11
·
71 sec
Potential benefits of ADU legislation for homeowners and renters
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the benefits of the proposed ADU legislation for homeowners and renters seeking low-cost housing options. Kim Darga initially asks for clarification on the question. …
0:25:25
·
34 sec
Challenges with previous basement conversion program and benefits of new ADU legislation
Kim Darga explains the challenges faced with the previous basement apartment conversion program and highlights the benefits of the new proposed ADU legislation. She emphasizes how the new approach addresses …
0:25:59
·
4 min
Overview of the Plus One Accessory Dwelling Unit program
Council Member Pierina Sanchez requests more information about the Plus One Accessory Dwelling Unit program, which allowed up to 15 eligible homeowners to build or convert ADUs on their properties. …
0:30:18
·
36 sec
Funding and demand for the Plus One ADU program
Kim Darga provides details about the funding structure and the overwhelming demand for the Plus One ADU program. She emphasizes the unprecedented interest from homeowners and the joint financing between …
0:30:55
·
95 sec
Technical assistance and application process for the ADU program
Stephen Erdman, Assistant Commissioner for Homeownership Opportunities & Preservation at HPD, explains the technical assistance and application process for the ADU program. He emphasizes that the program provides more than …
0:32:32
·
72 sec
Regulatory barriers and restrictions affecting ADU creation
Kim Darga elaborates on the substantial regulatory barriers that currently restrict homeowners from creating ADUs. She highlights how these restrictions have impacted the Plus One ADU program and emphasizes the …
0:33:47
·
83 sec
Geographic spread of interest in ADUs across NYC boroughs
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the geographic distribution of interest in ADUs among the 2,100 homeowners who expressed interest. Kim Darga provides insights into how the interest was spread …
0:35:12
·
37 sec
Geographic distribution of interest in ADUs across NYC boroughs
Council Member Pierina Sanchez remarks on the varying levels of support for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across different boroughs of New York City. She notes that some of the strongest …
0:35:49
·
31 sec
Affordability protections and options for tenants and homeowners in ADU program
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about affordability protections for tenants in ADUs and basement apartments, particularly those who may need to temporarily vacate during conversions. Kim Darga, Deputy Commissioner for …
0:36:20
·
4 min
Composition and history of the interagency working group for ADU legislation
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the interagency working group that helped draft the ADU legislation. Kim Darga provides a history of working groups related to basement and cellar apartments, …
0:40:43
·
4 min
Concerns and explanations regarding plastic piping provision in ADU legislation
Council Member Pierina Sanchez raises concerns about the plastic piping provision in the ADU legislation, specifically related to health and safety. Kim Darga and Constadino Sirakis provide explanations for the …
0:44:43
·
3 min
Comparison of plastic piping allowances in ADUs versus standard NYC residential buildings
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the difference in plastic piping allowances between ADUs and standard one or two-family homes in New York City. Constadino Sirakis, Deputy Commissioner of the …
0:48:03
·
35 sec
Clarification on the number of ADUs allowed per property in zoning text vs. legislation
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about a potential inconsistency between the City of Yes zoning text amendment and the proposed legislation regarding the number of ADUs allowed per property. City …
0:48:39
·
142 sec
Inland flooding risk assessment and mapping for basement ADU safety
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about how inland flood risk should be assessed for basement ADU safety and how risk mapping will be updated over time. Kim Darga from HPD …
0:51:01
·
5 min
Explanation for using 'ancillary dwelling unit' instead of 'accessory dwelling unit'
Council Member Pierina Sanchez questions why the city is using the term 'ancillary dwelling unit' instead of the more common 'accessory dwelling unit'. John Mangin from the Department of City …
0:56:37
·
62 sec
Estimates of properties eligible for ADU creation or legalization
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the administration's estimates for properties eligible for ADU creation or legalization. Deputy Commissioner Kim Darga provides estimates for both ADUs and basement/cellar conversions based …
0:57:41
·
135 sec
Fire safety measures and requirements for ADUs
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about fire safety measures for ADUs, particularly regarding sprinkler requirements and comparisons with other jurisdictions. Deputy Commissioner Kim Darga explains the comprehensive fire safety standards …
1:00:02
·
167 sec
Tax implications of converting basements/cellars into legal apartments
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the potential tax implications of converting basements or cellars into legal apartments. Officials from HPD and DCP provide insights on the expected impact on …
1:02:52
·
117 sec
Enforcement strategies for illegal basement apartments
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about current enforcement strategies for illegal basement apartments. Officials from HPD and DOB provide information on violations and enforcement procedures. - Exact numbers of illegal …
1:04:50
·
3 min
Future enforcement approach for illegal units under new legislation
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the future enforcement approach for illegal units if the proposed legislation becomes law. Deputy Commissioner Kim Darga explains the approach under the temporary authorization …
1:08:05
·
59 sec
Potential ADU tax exemption and financial incentives
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the potential for an ADU tax exemption and financial incentives, given that the state has allowed the city to create such an exemption. Deputy …
1:09:09
·
63 sec
Q&A on rent level tracking for ADUs and converted basement units
Council Member Pierina Sanchez inquires about the city's ability to track rent levels in ADUs and converted basement units. Deputy Commissioner Kim Darga explains the tracking capabilities for different scenarios. …
1:10:11
·
71 sec
Testimony by Arthur Klock, Director of Trade Education at Plumbers Local 1 Trade Education Fund
Arthur Klock, representing Plumbers Local 1 Trade Education Fund, strongly opposes the proposed legislation for ancillary dwelling units and basement apartment conversions due to the inclusion of plastic piping. He …
1:22:37
·
5 min
Testimony by Sylvia Morse, Senior Program Manager for Research & Policy at Pratt Center For Community Development
Sylvia Morse from Pratt Center For Community Development testifies in support of two local laws to advance the safety of basement and cellar apartments in New York City. She emphasizes …
1:27:47
·
163 sec
Testimony by Howard Slatkin, Executive Director of Citizens Housing and Planning Council
Howard Slatkin, representing Citizens Housing and Planning Council, strongly supports the proposed bills for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and basement apartment legalization. He emphasizes the importance of these bills in …
1:30:45
·
145 sec
Testimony by George Bassolino, Representative of Master Plumbers Council, on Plastic Water Pipes in ADUs
George Bassolino, representing the Master Plumbers Council, testifies against allowing plastic water pipes in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as proposed in T 2764, citing public safety concerns. He argues for …
1:33:15
·
160 sec
Testimony by Ryan Chavez, Program Director of Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) on ADU and Basement Apartment Legislation
Ryan Chavez, representing Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC), testified in support of the proposed ADU and basement apartment legalization bills. He shared insights from CHLDC's experience with the East …
1:36:39
·
132 sec
Testimony by Annetta Seecharran, Executive Director of Chhaya Community Development Corporation, on Accessory Dwelling Units and Basement Apartment Legalization
Annetta Seecharran, representing Chhaya Community Development Corporation and the Base Coalition, expressed strong support for two bills addressing basement apartments and ancillary dwelling units in New York City. She emphasized …
1:39:10
·
3 min
