Connecting Apartments
I have to apartments that I want to connect – NOT combine. Meaning that I don’t want to remove one of the kitchens. Rather, I want to put in what is known as a ‘door of convenience’, something that used to require a simply-gotten permit from DOB. I am told by several contractors that these…
I have to apartments that I want to connect – NOT combine. Meaning that I don’t want to remove one of the kitchens. Rather, I want to put in what is known as a ‘door of convenience’, something that used to require a simply-gotten permit from DOB. I am told by several contractors that these are no longer allowed, but I think they actually are – one just needs a savvy expediter. Has anyone done this successfully and can you tell me how and with whom? There was one expediter who told me he could do it, but the fee was outrageous. Help? Thx.
P.S> If anyone knows how easy/difficult it is to then get permits to take out the door and reinstate a wall between the apartments, that info welcome as well. Thanks very much.
Following is the law:
You cannot have 2 kitchens in a single apartment. The way Hasidim get it is because it is listed as a passover kitchen. Sometimes (but not always) you will need a letter from a rabbi (which you can definitely get) and sometimes not even that and they will let you go as is. If you intend to combine apartments make sure you file it under TPPN 3/97 so you should not need a new C. of O.
OP: Well, thanks, guys. Believe me, I’d go the secret bookcase route if I could! One can, unfortunately, barely hang a shelf without building people to check what the noise is about, so… Jock – I’m happy to put in a fire-rated door. I just don’t want to go to the the trouble – not to mention the expense – of capping the gas line in the wall. Requires a licensed plumber and associated several thousand dollars, no doubt, and limits my flexibility. Oh, I know. If I put 2 steps up and 2 steps down, would it then be able to be classified as a ‘stair of convenience’ that just happened to go through a fire-rated doorway?
Seriously – and I guess, mostly to Jocko – why is it that this can’t be done anymore? Or do you know a fabulous expediter?
Happy to make a donation to a synagogue and even consider (on paper, at least) going the Kosher route. But I think they probably require a Rabbi’s letter?? Anyone know?
How do the hasidim get away with two kitchens? Just tell them you’re orthodox.
that does it, go with the bookcases idea.
You guys are pretty funny. I especially like the aquarium idea in one of the other posts, but unfortunatly, leaglly what you want to do is combine the apartments, this requires removing the stove from one kitchen and a permit from good old DOB. There is such a thing as a stair of convenience. Maybe if the door was fire rated and had a closer on it DOB might allow it, but that would require a CCD1 to be filed to ask…
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects
But, would a ‘door of convenience’ make it one unit?
false bookshelves are very cool. So is a coat closet with doors on both sides.
But in serious fact, the DOB does not permit two kitchens in the same unit. Don’t know why. you can remove the stove in one of the kitchens and call the room a wet bar. That’s allowed.
Haven’t you seen Rosemary’s Baby?
You could put the plaster dust in your pocket and then pour it down your pants leg during your evening walk.
If you are really worried, install a good fire proof, prehung door.