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June 18, 2008
roof access permits
does anyone know how to look up whether a building has a permit for legal roof access for the public (not just building residents but open to the off-the-street pubic) and what restrictions there are to the roof space, i.e. wall height, etc. Can events be thrown and can bands come up there and play. I tried looking on the DOB website and the Environmental Control Board's site but the rules and possible violations aren't listed. the building is factory turned residential studio loft... any suggestions?
Comments
open to off-the-street public?
maybe if it's an abandoned building you'll get away with it. once.
LOL
Posted by: guest at June 18, 2008 6:25 PM
Recreational use of a roof requires it to have a Certificate of Occupancy. The owner has to prove, among other things, that the roof can support 50 pounds s/f, it must have two means of FDNY-approved egress with illuminated exit signs (with battery backup) and it must have a code-compliant railing.
Posted by: Steve at June 18, 2008 6:36 PM
Steve, can you email me at ohblogz@gmail.com. I want to talk to you some more about these codes and maybe send u a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy to get your opinion. Thanks.
Posted by: o at June 18, 2008 8:32 PM
I'm really not qualified to give an opinion on a CO. I just know that you need a CO for recreational roof top access because an acquaintance had to go through the process several years ago for his building's shared roof garden.
I'm at http://www.brooklynrowhouse.com/
Posted by: Steve at June 18, 2008 9:01 PM
Steve,
you should go work on your site rather than promote it here on brownstoners.
Posted by: guest at June 18, 2008 9:25 PM
Yeah, the building has a CO that is dated 1922 but doesn't mention anything about roof access... I'll email you at your site though, I'd like to hear more about what you know. Every little bit helps. Thanks
Posted by: o at June 18, 2008 9:48 PM
Guest 9:25 (if indeed that is your real name), he asked to get in touch with me. That's how he can get in touch with me. How would one get in touch with an anonymous tough guy like yourself?
Posted by: Steve at June 18, 2008 11:28 PM
I may be wrong but I don't think COs existed in NYC until the 1938 building code required them. In any event, the roof of an industrial building of that day almost certainly wouldn't have one.
You're best off talking with a licensed architect about the idea, and of course the owner of the building (unless you're it). There will be insurance implications as well.
Posted by: Steve at June 19, 2008 1:08 AM
Fake or real??? Hmmm, an interesting post...
Can't see why the DOB would matter - the owner(s) of your property might have something to say about your plan, though. Is this a single family house or an apartment/co-op/condo/industrial building?
Might want to check the zoning laws - if it ain't zoned commercial good luck. and even if it is, you don't think people will complain about the live bands playing outdoors?
Posted by: guest at June 19, 2008 2:56 PM
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