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January 10, 2008
When do you need a C of O?
I own a brownstone in Brooklyn that's legally a 2-family but does not have a Certificate of Occupancy on file with the buildings department. (Apparently many older buildings don't.) We want to renovate to change the configuration of the 2 apartments, but still keep it as a 2-family. Do we need to apply for a C of O, or can we do the renovations without it? I'd love to avoid the hassle and expense of getting one if we don't need it. Anyone know if we can do that?
Comments
You should speak to an architect but you can renovate a 2 family without getting a CofO provided you don't change certain aspects of the existing house.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at January 11, 2008 8:00 AM
If you're not changing to something other than a 2 family, you shouldn't have to change the CO.
-from and Architect.
Posted by: guest at January 11, 2008 8:12 AM
As long as you're not adding extra bathrooms etc. You don't need it
Posted by: guest at January 11, 2008 1:22 PM
All buildings DO have a C of O. It's just that the Dept. of Buildings doesn't have all of them on file...this was due to a fire way back when where a lot of files were destroyed. Expeditors can go somewhere else to obtain a record of the C of O for any building...but I don't remember where this is off hand.
Talk to an expeditor and they may be able to guide you.
Posted by: guest at January 11, 2008 1:59 PM
It's called an ALT II filing. You don't need to change C of O.
An Alt I is much more extensive and changes a C of O.
That said, you probably need an architect to stamp plans and an expeditor.
Posted by: Mr Joist at January 11, 2008 2:25 PM
All building do not have a C of O. Anything built before 1938 did not require one. The c of o defines the legal use of a property.
Posted by: guest at January 11, 2008 3:49 PM
Thanks, this all helps, but... here's the catch: we want to put in a kitchen on a floor where there now isn't one. Can we still do that without getting a C of O, so long as we file the plans and apply for the necessary permits?
Posted by: Brooklynite at January 11, 2008 4:59 PM
One more thing: can anyone recommend an honest and reasonably accessible expeditor who could explain to me what I do and don't need to file, and who can maybe do the necessary drawings as well?
Posted by: Brooklynite at January 11, 2008 5:03 PM
Hi Brooklynite, I used Chris Henry for an alt 1 (duplexed garden to basement), ARA job (new boiler), and to change our C of O (to include a parking spot.) Very reliable and responsive - chris@greenlightexpediting.com.
Posted by: stuntmanmike at January 13, 2008 10:56 PM
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