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November 27, 2007
Building a Loft: Legal?
I'm about to buy a condo in Prospect Heights. The condo has very high ceilings, so I'd like to build a loft/office, essentially creating a second-floor room. I've heard different things about the legality of this, though. For instance, I've heard that I may be allowed to build whatever I like once I own the condo, but that it could be illegal to resell the condo with the loft (since I've created additional square footage.)
Does anyone know about the laws concering building a loft, or where I could find out more information?
Thanks!
Comments
there is nothing illegal about building a loft inside your apartment. or leaving it there after you sale. the condo/co-op board may have some restrictions but the city does not. if the is no plumbing/ electrical/ work or compromise to the buildings structure build away.
Posted by: guest at November 27, 2007 2:25 PM
that would be incorrect. Obviously if you build a permanent structure which adds the square footage to the apartment you may cause the building to exceed its FAR (floor to area ratio) - essentially the problem which Mr. Scarano (sp?) has faced with many of his, er, creative uses of mezzanines. Whether anyone would notice is another matter...
Posted by: Putnamdenizen at November 27, 2007 2:36 PM
I tried to research it, at one point and it’s complicated… FAR concerns do not come into play if you simply add a loft. This translates into the room that’s not completely closed off, no doors, etc. The plans need to be approved by condo/coop and DOB. An architect had to be involved.
Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 12:06 PM
As long as it is not a "permanent" structure, you should not have a problem with the building department. It sounds like you have something more permanent in mind which would in fact be illegal. Dealing with your condo/coop is a particular issue to your building but there should not be a problem.
Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 3:52 PM
Firstly no one can do anything once you close on your condo so build away!!
Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 2:06 AM
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