The New York City Loft Board was established in 1982 to regulate the legal conversion of certain lofts in the city from commercial/manufacturing use to residential use. Article 7-C of the Multiple Dwelling Law, also known as the Loft Law, created a new classification of buildings in New York City known as interim multiple dwellings ("IMD").  Generally, this classification encompasses formerly commercial and manufacturing loft spaces that were used as residences by three independent families during the period of April 1, 1980 through December 1, 1981.  Because these lofts failed to meet the fire safety and other code requirements for legal residential occupancy, the Loft Law also established the Loft Board with the mission of coordinating the legal conversion of these spaces to safe residential use.

Effective Wednesday June 29th, 2011, the Loft Board has been relocated to 280 Broadway- 3rd Floor- Room 309.