If it is determined, in accordance with this chapter, that a
proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment,
the proposed action shall be reviewed and processed in strict accordance
with the provisions of Part 617 of Title 6 NYCRR and as provided in
this chapter.
Following a determination that a proposed action may have a
significant effect on the environment, the Director of Planning and
Development, for actions initiated by the City, or the responsible
official or body, shall prepare or cause to be prepared a draft environment
impact statement in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of
Title 6 NYCRR. Refusal of the applicant to prepare such a draft shall
cause the official or body to cease processing the application. Where
the action involves an application for a variance, approval or other
action, the full cost of preparing the draft environmental impact
statement shall be borne by the applicant.
Upon completion of a draft environmental impact statement, a
notice of completion containing the information specified in Part
617 of Title 6 NYCRR shall be published in the official newspapers
of the City. Copies of the draft environmental impact statement and
the notice of completion shall be filed, circulated, sent and made
available as required by Part 617 of Title 6 NYCRR.
The draft environmental impact statement shall be reviewed by
the Planning Commission, which shall determine if a public hearing
on the draft environmental impact statement is necessary. If the Planning
Commission determines that a public hearing is necessary, notice thereof
shall be filed, circulated and sent in the same manner as the notice
of completion and shall be published in the official newspapers of
the City at least 14 calendar days prior to such public hearing. Such
notice shall also state the place where substantive written comments
on the draft environment impact statement may be sent and the date
before which such comments shall be received. The public hearing shall
commence no less than 15 calendar days nor more than 60 calendar days
after the filing of the draft environmental impact statement except
as otherwise provided where the Director of Planning and Development,
for actions initiated by the City, or the responsible official or
body, determines that additional time is necessary for public or other
agency review of the draft environmental impact statement or where
a different hearing date is required as appropriate under applicable
law. If, on the basis of the draft environmental impact statement
or a public hearing, the Planning Commission determines that an action
will not have a significant effect on the environment, the proposed
action may be processed without further regard to this chapter.
