Wood-Frame House Building Code
Hi, we have just had an offer accepted on wood-frame, 3 floor + attic, 2 family house in Gowanus. There is already a sink in the attic, and we were planning on enlarging the space, by raising the roof and adding dormer windows, to be a complete master bedroom rather than the small storage place…
Hi, we have just had an offer accepted on wood-frame, 3 floor + attic, 2 family house in Gowanus. There is already a sink in the attic, and we were planning on enlarging the space, by raising the roof and adding dormer windows, to be a complete master bedroom rather than the small storage place it currently is.
As per the department of planning, we can build the property to 50 ft high, and we have the available sq ft allowance. My lawyer requested that I confirm with an expediter that we can make this change, and the expediter has said that a 2-family wood-frame houses can only be 2 floors + attic. The house already has more floors than this limit and there are many other houses on the block that have been renovated to a full 4-floors. Has anyone had any experience with adding a floor/extending a current attic in a wood-frame house? Does anyone know of a good expediter that can consult us on this?
Call Phil @ 347-787-3338
There are specific guidelines for enlarging these type of buildings. Luckily since this is only a 2-family you are exempt from the multiple dwelling law which these issues are governed in MDL section 56.
Otherwise, it will be goverened by the area and height limitations whins are listed in the 1968 code table 4-1 and 4-2 depending if it is spirinklered or not.
You can always maintain the existing conditions but not enlarge it. In addition, if you do enlargements you may have an issue with the fire code as well. Consult with a good proffessional architect or engineer in addition to the zoning regulations which that I am assuming you have a lott of room to enlarge.
Thanks for all your help and comments! Being a first-time home buyer, I didn’t realize who was responsible for what. Architect66, do you consult on projects like this? If you are interested, please email me at olivia.mark@gmail.com.
Hire an architect. They will review the zoning code per your specific property.
Your expeditor is pretty close to the mark, unfortunately. The old (1968) code that could apply in this case limits you to 3 stories and 40′ in height.
consult an architect, several hang out here. Where are they when you need them, lol?