In C1 Districts, the Board of Standards and Appeals may permit theaters with a capacity of not more than 500 persons in a new or existing building. In C1-5, C1-6, C1-7, C1-8 and C1-9 Districts, motion picture theaters shall have a minimum of four square feet of waiting area within the zoning lot for each seat. The required waiting space shall be either in an enclosed lobby or open area that is covered or protected during inclement weather and shall not include space occupied by stairs or space within 10 feet of a refreshment stand or of an entrance to a public toilet. The Board shall not apply these requirements to any additional motion picture theater created by the subdivision of an existing motion picture theater.

The Board may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of nearby residential areas.