Question about lot line windows
Any recommendations where I can get some advice (legal/formally documented) on building codes regarding lot line windows? Our neighbor is currently building a new three story building on the lot line of our backyard and one of their rear windows is about 15 ft from two of our back windows (sightline looks right into ours…
Any recommendations where I can get some advice (legal/formally documented) on building codes regarding lot line windows? Our neighbor is currently building a new three story building on the lot line of our backyard and one of their rear windows is about 15 ft from two of our back windows (sightline looks right into ours on a 90 degree angle). Cannot imagine that this is legal…Thanks.
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60 ft? no. it’s 30 ft.
lot line windows that are within 60′ of the neighboring building must be fire rated with wire glass or with a sprinkler head directly above the window. usually the City makes you sign an affidavit that states that you will remove the window and create a code compliant fire rated condition should your neighbor build over your window with by expanding their building with unused FAR. this usually only applies to side lot line windows not rear yard window separation requirements. In some cases, your windows can be as close as 15′ from the rear lot line.
Depends on the case of course, but it might be legal.
“A lot line’s windows can take up to 10% of the surface area of the lot line’s elevation, as long as they are properly fire rated.”
But only 2 1/2% if the building’s a multi-family — IIRC.
8:20 I agree, Rita seriously get some blinds and a man. She’s just pissed that the new neighbors are not going to want to look at her fat ugly ass anyway.
Lot line windows may be legal light and air under certain conditions, i.e. they can be grandfathered with a filed light and air easement or they may be new with proper light and air dimensions and a filed light and air easement
In both cases , the windows do need to still meet whatever the applicable codes are for the construction and or protection of the window
but they usually aren’t legal light and air
Lot Line windows are legal, but they must be made of metal and the glass must either have wire in it or be made of ceramic.
Thanks Smokychimp. It is on a corner. They are building on what was an existing backyard (approx 40 x 25) that bordered the side street and us. Don’t know enough to say if it is actually considered the side of their building, but, to me, it seems to be the back since the new structure–while attached to the existing building—will have its entrance on the side street.
If it’s legal, then we’ll live with it. We’re looking to find someone that can do an independent validation before letting it go.
A lot line’s windows can take up to 10% of the surface area of the lot line’s elevation, as long as they are properly fire rated. The lot line windows cannot be used to satisfy light and air requirements though.
What is usually more restrictive are the setbacks. It’s unusual to be able to build all the way back to a rear lot line. What is the depth of the lot? Is your neighbor a corner?