Adding to an existing extension - what do you think?
i am thinking of adding a kitchen to the parlor floor of my 3-story, 2-family brownstone because i am changing the configuration (renting garden floor, sharing garden + basement). there is has a small extension, 1/3 of the 20′ width, extending 12′ into the yard. i’m thinking of building on top of the extension, adding…
i am thinking of adding a kitchen to the parlor floor of my 3-story, 2-family brownstone because i am changing the configuration (renting garden floor, sharing garden + basement).
there is has a small extension, 1/3 of the 20′ width, extending 12′ into the yard. i’m thinking of building on top of the extension, adding about 7′ x 7′ of enclosed space off the parlor floor, and then making the remainder a deck with stairs to the shared garden.
i’d like your opinions on the following:
-the building next door has an extension similar to my existing one, and is a 4-family. would adding the described extension be extremely unneighborly? (their garden is overgrown and apparently not in use).
– is that too little space to warrant the expense, permits, etc?
– can you open all the way to the side if it’s not the total width of the building (i know there’s something about leaving 3′ on either side intact)
– are there issues with putting a kitchen in an extension?
sorry for the long rambling question! i’d really appreciate your experienced input. thank you!
what is the “outer courtyard” rule?
thanks. i am (of course) meeting with an architect. i just thought i’d put the question to Brownstoners for advice beforehand so i have a better idea of the issues i might face.
my home is way under FAR (even if the zoning changes), in the middle of the block, smaller than most in the area, but it sounds like these may not be reasons to believe such a plan would likely be approved.
Landmarks, zoning, the “outer courtyard” rule — there are a lot of rules that factor into your ideas.
–an architect in Brooklyn
I have a middle of the block house with a yard that can’t be seen from the street and landmarks rejected my plans. I was like you and thought no problem- it’ll be a breezee. They decided that it was visible. I am telling you 100% that it is not. I would try to get it by them before really making plans. It took almost a year and once they decided that it could be seen (and there is no arguing with them) it had to go to a public hearing. I had an architect with years of Brooklyn experience who also thought that it would be a non-issue.
I have a middle of the block house with a yard that can’t be seen from the street and landmarks rejected my plans. I was like you and thought no problem- it’ll be a breezee. They decided that it was visible. I am telling you 100% that it is not. I would try to get it by them before really making plans. It took almost a year and once they decided that it could be seen (and there is no arguing with them) it had to go to a public hearing. I had an architect with years of Brooklyn experience who also thought that it would be a non-issue.
You really need to talk to an engineer or architect
yes, i am landmarked (in clinton hill). does that make a big difference when adding to the back (not visible from street)? how so? thanks.
Are you landmarked?