N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 19-175: § 19-175 Variance for special events.

a. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 20-381.1 of the code, the owner or operator of a horse drawn cab may apply for a variance from the provisions of section 20-381.1 for the limited purpose of carrying out a contract to provide a horse drawn cab for the filming of a movie, television show or commercial, or for a wedding, parade, or other special event as shall be defined by the commissioner by rule. The commissioner shall grant such variance when he or she determines that the issuance of such variance would not have an adverse effect on vehicular or pedestrian congestion, commencement of theatrical productions or public safety.

b. A variance application shall be in such form as prescribed by the commissioner and shall be submitted to the commissioner no fewer than three business days prior to the date of the event for which the variance is requested.

c. The commissioner may require the payment of an application processing fee in an amount to be established by rule.

d. The commissioner shall issue a document specifying the variance. Whenever a horse drawn cab is being operated in accordance with a duly issued variance, such variance shall be carried by the driver of such horse drawn cab and shall be produced upon the demand of any police, traffic, parks or other enforcement officer authorized to enforce section 20-381.1 of the code.

e. Use of a variance by any person other than the person to whom it was issued, or for any purpose other than the purpose for which it was issued, shall subject the person using such variance to a civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars.