I want to Airbnb my legal basement unit

[Nathan Mount]

I recently applied to get to approved for STR in the city, for my legal basement apartment in my 3 flat, and was denied since the unit isn't my primary residence. I live on the first floor and figured I would get denied, but didn't want to apply for it and state the basement unit was my primary. Does anyone have experience with the appeal process? Should I re-apply for my first floor unit and just list the basement differently?