For Wasder: Your deck & stairs
Hi Wasder: I just came across your June 2008 post about putting a deck and stairs off your third floor, and we are contemplating a similar thing. I’ve been trying to read the building code for decks and it seems like you’re not supposed to put them above the first story. I’ve also read here…
Hi Wasder:
I just came across your June 2008 post about putting a deck and stairs off your third floor, and we are contemplating a similar thing. I’ve been trying to read the building code for decks and it seems like you’re not supposed to put them above the first story. I’ve also read here how many people in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene have illegal decks. But I’m wondering if youhave any sense about how Landmarks feels about these third story decks (I know someone who got one passed but their house has an extension off the parlor and so the bottom of the two decks sits on top of sturdy structure). Have you come up with a design that works? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Lucybb
Oh, and it’s a landmark block.
Lucy
Thanks Wasder and jfss and cmu for your very helpful responses. Although my real estate broker and an engineer advised forgoing getting Landmarks permission, I am becoming convinced that that is too risky. But our problem is that one could argue the property is visible from a public thoroughfare. The house is about 200-250 feet in from the corner and there is a one story on the adjacent street over which you can see the backs of the houses. In the summer with leaves on the trees, you probably couldn’t see our place easily, but right now you can.
I’ve recently heard of a number of people who have received Landmarks permission for double story decks, but if we can’t get this passed, we’re not sure we want the house (and our bid was just accepted today!!!) So I’m thinking I need to find an architect who is very knowledgeable not only about building codes but also Landmarks’ habits and quirks. Anyone have any recommendations? I’ll certainly try Schall. I’ve heard good things about him.
Gratefully yours,
an excited first time homebuyer
If it can’t be seen from a public thoroughfare the landmarks commission doesn’t much care. For the building dept, a deck must meet code which is mostly related to fire safety. I don’t believe there is any prohibition above the first floor. Call Schnall architects and ask – they know the code.
“renovated buildings about”
The two renovated abt 680 Carroll St near VI have two level decks (parlor and II floor, no extension). Lots of steel and imagine it was quite expensive but done to code. Also imagine it’s much more of a risk doing this unpermitted than a one-level since it would take much longer and be more obvious. So it’s possible, but Carroll is not landmarked there.
And yes, lots of people have illegal decks in CLinton Hill and Fort Greene. It is one of those things that you have to decide whether you want to take a risk on. You can save a lot of money not doing the permitting but it can blow up on you if you get busted.
Hey Lucy: I ended up buying a different house than the one that I was considering doing this with so I never tested its feasibility. I suspect strongly that Landmarks and/or DOB would not look kindly on it. When I first contemplated this last June I was much less familiar with codes and permits. I ended up building a parlor level deck in a different house. Sorry I can’t be of any more help.