I thought only artists could live in SoHo. How do other types of people live here now?

• Zoning Guidebook FAQ

Non-artists reside in SoHo through the following regulations:

• The Loft Law, enacted in 1982, essentially recognized that non-artists were living in SoHo and, instead of evicting them, sought to ensure safe occupancy through compliance with fire, safety, and buildings codes as defined by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). The Loft Law additionally sought to give tenants rent protections and other rights. It still allows legal residency in SoHo for those who applied for its coverage during applicable time periods. It is important to note that units legalized under the Loft Law are not required to be occupied by artists certified by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA).
• The SoHo Cast-Iron Historic District designation triggers certain provisions in the Zoning Resolution that allow otherwise prohibited uses to locate in an area by asking the City Planning Commission (CPC) for a special permit to modify use or bulk. In SoHo’s case, residential units may be approved as long as the building owner agrees to certain restrictions, including committing to permanently preserve and maintain the building’s exterior appearance according to strict provisions set out by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).

Residents may also locate in SoHo through creative legal interpretations of the Zoning Resolution or by mitigating the risk of non-compliance via contractual stipulations.