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April 27, 2008
Expansion Limits
We are in CG, not landmarked block. New neighbors in 4 story brick, about 20X40 on a 20X100 lot. They are planning on expanding but not being forthright about what they wish to do. We think they want to do a 3 or 4 story extension. While wishing to be fair, we want to make sure they don't exceed legal limits, thus possibly effecting our property's value and our quality of life (looking out our window at a brick wall instead of sky and trees!) How can we make sure this doesn't happen? Will the building dept. help or do we need to get a lawyer?
Comments
In a word, sadly, you can't. We went through this on our (landmarked) block in Boerum Hill. As long as they get proper permits and don't exceed their FAR, they can do what they want. It sucks but it's not a fight you will win. One of my friends has grown to love her very private deck space - she has extensions on either side of her. I commiserate but I don't think the law has changed in the last few years. You can either suck it up and accept it or move.
Posted by: guest at April 27, 2008 6:26 PM
You can go on acris and see if they got a permit from DOB. They probably have it posted on their front door. If they did, DOB has already checked "to make sure they don't exceed legal limits". Extensions are legal. Sucks, but you'll waste your money hiring a lawyer to check their rights.
Posted by: guest at April 27, 2008 7:03 PM
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