FAR / R5 Zoning Question
I am interested in buying a brownstone in Bed-Stuy and just learning all about FAR and zoning. The house I am interested in is in an R5 area. It is 3 story. 20 x 45 built on a 20 x 100 lot. So tt looks like it is already built beyond an allowable FAR. (1.35…
I am interested in buying a brownstone in Bed-Stuy and just learning all about FAR and zoning. The house I am interested in is in an R5 area. It is 3 story. 20 x 45 built on a 20 x 100 lot. So tt looks like it is already built beyond an allowable FAR. (1.35 vs 1.25.) I’m assuming this is “grandfathered” and will not cause problems? Also, is there a way around the 1.25 FAR if I want to build a small 1-story extension in the back to create space for laundry, etc?
Thanks.
M.
I was trying to figure out FAR for a building I was interested in too. And I came up with an overage as well which didn’t seem correct. I think I am missing a step somewhere in my calculations. Anyway, this site will give you your FAR (estimated of course)and it was more in line with what I would think. Good luck.
http://www.oasisnyc.net/oasismap.htm
http://www.scaranoarchitects.com/
talk to an architect
if no adjacent neighbors are willing to sell you air rights, you could apply for a variance, but I imagine all the architectural and legal fees might be prohibitive considering it may not even be approved. . .
I’d be curious what architects reading this posting have to say about getting a variance. I have a similar situation and would love to build an extension on my roof, but the FAR is already overbuilt too. The few architects I’ve spoken too so far don’t seem interested in taking on the job.
I don’t know how big you want your extension to be but have you looked up the setback too? That is something you also need to consider.
The only way to get more FAR is to buy air rights from one or both of your neighbors. See a thread on this from last week. Cost is $50-$200 per sq. ft. Your block was probably “down zoned” hence the overage of current FAR. It should not cause any problems, but you definitely can’t add without a zoning lot merger.