R4-1 zoning properties

[Kevin Ha]

Hi everyone, I am about to close on a home in a R4 zoning location in NYC. I was looking to house hack to save a bit of money and hopefully get my feet wet without too much risk.  So the issue is, i have a basement but a part of the garage. There is a dip in the driveway that leads to said garage and I was hoping to convert to you a makeshift living space for myself. However, r4 zoning states,  "One off-street parking space is required for each dwelling unit." meaning I cannot take away the garage or I will only have 1 parking space. Is there something that can be done. I understand that I can try to change the zoning but i'm not sure how effective that will be or will it be even be worth it. Should i just make due with a garage?