N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 24-1305

§ 24-1305. Applicability.\n The provisions of this article shall not apply to any land use,\nimprovement or development for which final approval shall have been\nobtained prior to the effective date of this article from the local\ngovernmental authority or authorities having jurisdiction over such land\nuse. As used in this section, the term "final approval" shall mean the\nissuance of a building permit or other authorization for the\ncommencement of the use, improvement or development for which such\npermit or authorization was issued or in those local governments which\ndo not require such permits or authorizations, the actual commencement\nof the use, improvement or development of the land.\n