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February 19, 2008
converting SRO to 1-2 fam
After getting a Cert.of Non-Harassment, what steps must be taken to convert a bldg from SRO to a 1 or 2 family?
Is this just a simple filing to change the Certificate of Occupancy? Or is it a longer process with a required architect, etc.
The brownstone is currently considered an SRO, though the inside physically doesn't look like an SRO, as the previous owner made it like a 1-2 family (not sure how as no permit was filed at least online) and lived there alone.
On the DOB website, there are no permit violations (or permits at all), though it seems obvious that the bldg doesn't match it's C of O anymore.
I wasn't planning on hiring an architect for the renovation work that needs to be done neither...
thanks...
Comments
Once you have your CNH you would need to change your Certificate of Occupancy also. The change of C of O requires an architect, or engineer.
Posted by: Smokychimp at February 19, 2008 10:27 PM
Does this process not require any sort of inspections or certifications? Won't the previous illegal work need to be blessed? I thought this is why everything needs to be legal before you close?
Posted by: guest at February 20, 2008 8:39 AM
You can count on 6 months to a year to get your CNH. You are talking about a lot of work that was done illegally and I would look into the ramifications of this carefully before jumping in.
Posted by: guest at February 20, 2008 10:40 AM
Yes the process requires inspections and certifications. The money you spend on that will be peanuts compared to your tax savings, if you are converted an SRO to a two family particularly.
In terms of the previous work, there might not be any construction required, it is possible that this could be entirely a paperwork job. But that depends on the specifics of your house. You wouldn't be responsible to bring the entire building compliant to the 1968 code, if that's what you're asking.
Posted by: Smokychimp at February 20, 2008 12:58 PM
Thanks for the input.
I have contacted the DOB and talked to a Plan Examiner. Just like Smokey said, above, only a licensed architect/engineer can fill out and sign the papers for a new Cert.of Occupancy. I also asked about previous violations. He said that all violations need to be fixed and paid beforehand, but if there are none on file, it is not like they will be 'uncovered' to make me liable all of a sudden.
In any case, the house needs renovation, for sure, but not major changes to the present configuration...
Posted by: brownstone at February 21, 2008 7:22 AM
We are looking at this exact situation: buying an SRO and converting to a single family, maybe with one rental on ground floor. We are calling our mort. broker today and r.estate attny.
But, can anyone here give an estimate of how long the wait is, and how much we can expect in fees from the DOB and lawyer? i.e. Is it worth it? We love the bldg and don't mind the wait at all--even if it takes 6 mos to a year. Just concerned about the fees. Will this affect when we can get the mortgage?
Posted by: aroundtheblock at March 7, 2008 8:52 AM
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