Adding lot-line windows at cellar level - is it possible?
I just bought a 2-story brick in PS. One side of the house is not attached to another house – half of the side wall is facing someone’s backyard and the other half facing someone’s parking space. Currently, there are some lot-line windows on 1st & 2nd floors on the side, but how difficult is…
I just bought a 2-story brick in PS. One side of the house is not attached to another house – half of the side wall is facing someone’s backyard and the other half facing someone’s parking space. Currently, there are some lot-line windows on 1st & 2nd floors on the side, but how difficult is it to add small windows at the cellar level? The cellar has a few small windows, facing the front street and backyard, but if I added more windows on the side, the room would be much brighter. Does anyone know about cellar level lot-line windows? I understand that there’s always possibility that the parking space may turn into a building, but it’s only big enough for 2 cars…I don’t think the owner is planning to build anything there for a while. Any advise would be much appreciated!!
You don’t need a lawyer; you need to submit to the DOB. Search for earlier posts about adding lot line windows. You’d need to get approval, and the windows would need to be fire rated glass, etc.
This is not an easement issue. It’s a fire code issue that needs to be approved by the building department. Get a contractor or an architect.
Thanks Alex!
The next door property owner will need to sign it. It needs to be submitted to a city agency that will approve it officially. I’m not sure what agency though. DoB? City Planning? You should talk to a lawyer. The easement will be specific about where you can add the windows (what height, distance from lot lines, etc. The lawyer will know. An architect or zoning expert (if the lawyer doesn’t know) will also be able to help.
Hi Alex – who’s “they”? NYC or the nextdoor property owner? And, what about the pre-existing windows? As long as I get this easement, I can add windows wherever I want, at cellar level or not…is that so?
You probably need them to grant you a lot line window easement. Get an attorney.