Forum: Building Code
May 14, 2008
DOB/legal basement apt. -8ft ceiling?
We would like to legally turn our basement into an apt. ( it has a private entrance, an exit to the garden and is 50% above ground.) Our ceiling height is however, slightly less than 8 feet. I have gotten a number of differing opinions about the legality doing so from expeditors and contractors Some say the ceiling needs to be a minimum of 8 ft others think 7 ft. is considered habitable. Anyone know the real deal and who I should call to get a final answer? Thanks very much for any advice and help!
May 8, 2008
DOB Job Status
Im trying to make sense of the filling status with the DOB.
It says on their website.
JOB STATUS - R PERMIT-ENTIRE
STATUS DATE - 04/16/2007
What does "R PERMIT-ENTIRE" mean.
thx
May 5, 2008
Fire Doors in Landmark Brownstones
We own a brownstone in a landmarked brooklyn neighborhood. The previous owner was processing the C of O to change it from a 1 family to a 3 family.
In that process he had to take out doors leading into our apartment and put in self closing fire doors. The doors he took out were those big beautiful 9 foot hallway doors.
I read a NY Times article a few years after regarding a renovation in Brooklyn. An architect found a provision that allowed them to keep those big beautiful doors.
Any suggestions? I've got them in the basement, in a dry place.
May 4, 2008
Buying a home not up to code
Dear Brownstoner,
We recently had an inspection on a 3 family home that we are about to go into contract on. There were many things that were issues that the seller says she will fix.
The biggest item is however that the plumbing and electrical was not done up to DOB code. The work however does function well and therefore the seller will not adjust price or fix.
The home is in a great location and there isn't anything close to the price and overall good condition.
Am I a fool to move forward with the purchase? I mean aren't 90% of brooklyn brownstones not up to code?
Thanks for your advice.
May 2, 2008
DOB Permission Needed for Bathroom?
Do I need to get permission from the Department of Buildings before I install a bathroom in the basement of my condo in Queens? I intend to get all the work done fully to code, but want to avoid waiting for the wheels of beauocracy to give me permission to do so. If I don't get permission, would they ever find out and what would be the consequences?
Thanks.
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?
April 18, 2008
deck
I made a mistake.. the party deck next door is about 80% of the roof. The floor underneath, which is the roof of the extension looks like it's giving in. who do I call for report???
April 3, 2008
Kitchen Need a Vent?
I am considering relocating a kitchen to center of fllor thru apartment. Does a kitchen by code require a vent to th eoutside or a window?
This 4 family house.
April 2, 2008
Two methods or egress?
I'm converting a 5 story Brownstone from a 4 unit to a 2 unit building(duplex and a triplex). It's currently a duplex on the ground level, with 3 floor through apartments. The back is "landlocked" and does not have a fire escape. The main form of egress is a sprinkled stair. If I go to a 2 unit, do I still need two methods of egress from each unit?
March 26, 2008
Interpretation of New Building Code
Is it possible to get a written interpretation (using Form BC-1) of the new Building Code provisions from the DOB now, or does one have to wait for the effective date of the new rules July 1, 2008?