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February 6, 2009
Is a permit needed to re-roof?
We are looking at a house in a landmarked area that needs a new roof asap. Can someone tell me if a permit is needed to redo the roof? Will need some tear off, but not total. Landmark approval? I've never lived in a landmarked area.
Thanks!
Comments
depends on whether its flat or not (visible), check out their website roof part;
http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/workguide.pdf
generally if its visible from the street they will want to talk to you. Probably staff level.
Posted by: jp2 at February 6, 2009 4:02 PM
Since all the construction accidents around the city they are toughening up on standards and in alot of casees requiring permits......Also make sure your contractor is fully licensed insured and bonded and meets NYC Code Enforcement standards or consumer affairs as well as building dept will shut the job down right in middle and leave you hanging.
Kevin A Klepper
http://WWW.A1HomeImprover.com
Posted by: HomeImprover at February 6, 2009 5:28 PM
Since all the construction accidents around the city they are toughening up on standards and in alot of cases requiring permits......Also make sure your contractor is fully licensed insured and bonded and meets NYC Code Enforcement standards or consumer affairs as well as building dept will shut the job down right in middle and leave you hanging.
Kevin A Klepper
http://WWW.A1HomeImprover.com
Posted by: HomeImprover at February 6, 2009 5:29 PM
I've contracted with legitimate roofers in both Soho and Union Square over the last 20 odd years and have never applied for a permit(maybe 6 times). Yes they were all flat roofs. As recently as last summer. Paid extra for a torch job. That is illegal but holds up much better. get fancy and put a green roof down! That currently does not require a permit unless you want the one time tax credit. Not worth it.
Posted by: modsquad at February 6, 2009 10:54 PM
addendum: Depends on what you're removing. You might want to have a ACP 5 done and see if you have a problem with asbestos. BE specific regarding what you want to remove and only take samples from that. About 300 bucks. Ask a legitimate roofer for someone who does that for them. You have a better chance of getting a clean report.
Posted by: modsquad at February 6, 2009 11:26 PM
Ignore the first posting by jp2 and the link provided.
That is a link to "Guidelines and Materials Checklists for Performing Work on Landmarked Buildings" and you clearly said "I've never lived in a landmarked area."
Posted by: SenatorStreet at February 7, 2009 8:39 AM
SenotorStreet,
This IS about a landmarked street. OP is asking since this is the first time in this situation.
The links seems appropriate.
Posted by: renomandru at February 7, 2009 9:48 AM
Sorry - didn't realize that "I've never lived in a landmarked area" really meant "I've never lived in a landmarked area "BEFORE."
Such a shame that English is no longer an art.
Posted by: SenatorStreet at February 7, 2009 10:44 AM
Ignore my last - I never saw the first line of the original post. My bad!!
Sorry.
Posted by: SenatorStreet at February 7, 2009 10:48 AM
I can recommend a reputable asbestos person if it turns out you need one. And if it turns out your roof does have asbestos, that's when it gets nasty expensive. I can suggest a reasonable asbestos abatement company. Gennaro 347 244 3016.
Posted by: gennaro at February 7, 2009 5:45 PM
Read the roof section of the link posted by jp2 in the first reply. If you still have questions after reading, contact the LPC's public information officer: info@lpc.nyc.gov or 212-669-7817. As you can see from some of the other replies, there's still lots of wild west when it comes to repairs—"legitimate" roofers who'll swear you don't need permits even when you do, who'll torch roofs even when that's illegal, etc. See: http://www.pagelinx.com/nyarm/july00/new_law.html Figure out which horse you're riding, act accordingly and be prepared for the possibility of really big fines if you choose to avoid necessary permits. A responsible roofer should be able to tell you what the letter of the law is for your specific repair. If any structural work is involved, then permits are necessary, and you'll need them from both LPC and DOB. If you already know a partial tearoff is necessary don't be surprised if, once works starts, you find you need a complete tearoff (which, besides necessity, might be the most cost-efficient choice in the long run). These links might also be useful to you (some indirectly):
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/reference/tppn0199.shtml
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/consbroch.pdf
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/wintertips2005-2006.pdf
Posted by: vinca at February 8, 2009 12:17 PM
Thank you everyone, this is all very helpful! I particularly appreciate the links and other specifics. Although after reading this I am now dreading asbestos -yikes! Thanks though, it is good to be aware of before we make a move.
Posted by: amybnyc at February 8, 2009 10:49 PM
You do not need a permit to re-roof from the DOB as roofing is considered non-structural manintainence. You may need a "Certificate of No effect" from Landmarks. If you hang scaffolds or erect scaffolding above 40 feet or erect a sidewalk shed, you will need a Department of Buildings Permit. Otherwise, be safe and good luck. Finding a good contractor should not be too difficult in this economy.
Posted by: Low_Talker338 at February 9, 2009 7:05 PM
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