2006 New York Code - Existing Buildings.

 
    §  27-216  Existing  buildings.  Upon  application  by the owner of an
  existing building, and subject to the provisions of  section  27-111  of
  article  three  of  this  subchapter,  the  commissioner  shall  issue a
  certificate of occupancy for such building, provided that at the time of
  issuing such certificate, no notices of violation or  other  notices  or
  orders  affecting  the building as they relate to the provisions of this
  code are pending  before  the  department  of  buildings,  and  provided
  further  that it is established to the satisfaction of the commissioner,
  after inspection and investigation, that the alleged use of the building
  has heretofore  legally  existed.  The  issuance  of  a  certificate  of
  occupancy  for  any existing building on waterfront property not used in
  conjunction with  and  in  furtherance  of  waterfront  commerce  and/or
  navigation  shall  be conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of
  this code regulating means  of  egress,  and  upon  the  issuance  of  a
  certificate  of  completion  by the commissioner of ports and trade, and
  shall be limited to the uses and purposes certified to therein.