On petition of any person or entity, the department may issue a declaratory ruling with respect to the applicability to any person, property or state of facts of any rule or statute enforceable by the department. Informal advisory opinions will continue to be available and should be considered as an expedient and often adequate alternative to a declaratory ruling.
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 § 702.1