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May 11, 2009

security bars a & codes?

Wells Fargo is blocking our refinancing becaue they say they do not approve some of our bars, they lock. Can someone address this - they now say if we can submit a letter from the city or? that they will okay it - real weird thing is we have our mortgage with Wells Fargo and then they pull this... any thoughts or someone that could help? And what is the code - we are a single family house with a garden apt - they want us to remove 1890's bars on that level!

Comments

Can you get a letter from landmarks saying it would be a violation to remove the lower level bars?

Posted by: Putnamdenizen at May 11, 2009 11:26 AM

Please follow up on this query - I'm really interested to learn what you find out.

Posted by: Arkady at May 11, 2009 12:00 PM

As to original window ironwork, maybe you'll find page 9 of this PDF useful: http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/Rowhouse_Manual.pdf
The entire current fire code can be found here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/firecode/july_2008/fire_code_local_law26_final_complete.pdf
It includes the two sections below, which may or may not address your issue. I'm sure there's more in the code, which you'll have to read/search for yourself. If you go to the FDNY site, you can also submit a question online: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/firecode/firecode.shtml
1027.5 Existing window gates and other restrictions. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices installed on windows and other openings onto fire escapes prior to the effective date of this code shall be in accordance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations in effect at the time of installation, and Section 1025.4.
1027.6 Maintenance of window gates and other restrictions. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, and windows or other openings onto fire escapes shall be maintained in good working order.

Posted by: vinca at May 11, 2009 12:28 PM

Not a landmark building, just nice old bars from back in the day.
The issue is we have a front door(bars) that lock with a key. and bars installed that do not open at all front windows - air conditioner and window type., but there are other ways "out."

Wells Fargo wants all bars to have safety release which I think maybe negate the use of the bars and ugly, adding all that plate metal to prevent reach-around.

They have some non sense internal rule about this that missed when giving us the original mortgage, now being very nasty with their compliance...

Vinca Thanks!

Posted by: BrooklynRooster at May 11, 2009 1:35 PM

Search the forum. There was a very similar query very recently. Was also Well Fargo refinance denial for fire safety issues. Probably the same inspector I would guess. IRRC the advice was to dump WF.

Posted by: phripley at May 11, 2009 2:07 PM

Just posted re: my grip with WF and the bars on windows.
BrooklynRooster - did you resolve this?
K

Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 29, 2009 4:00 PM