Issues with Renovation Project
Hi there. We’re trying to do what is thus far an Alt Type 1 renovation projection in Williamsburg. We’re up against the pit of hell that is the Department of Buildings. Our major concern at this point is the plans done by our architect may never pass muster at the Department of Buildings. We may…
Hi there. We’re trying to do what is thus far an Alt Type 1 renovation projection in Williamsburg. We’re up against the pit of hell that is the Department of Buildings. Our major concern at this point is the plans done by our architect may never pass muster at the Department of Buildings. We may have to pursue a much scaled down project, simply because the DOB seems determined to reject everything. I am curious what options we may have if are architect has produced what are essentially useless plans. Also, if we need to start from scratch and simply fix up what is already there in the building, which would involve all new electrical and plumbing work, but no reconfiguration of walls, would we need an architect for that? Thanks for any thoughts on this.
For anyone still following this: yes, the examiner was presented with a cert of occ, but he was very skeptical about it, largely due to one of the units being listed as commercial space. the commercial space has not been used as such in a long time, and the DoB doesn’t have a copy in their records of the CofO. It’s this issue that is at the heart of the battle with the DoB.
No comment anymore. As far as the TPPN memo if they are referring to the attic memo that is understandable otherwise I will have to assume that the examiner was talking about the old memo they pulled about and revived by artificial resusciation back at the scarano fiasco with the mezanines.
I have seen that TPPN Jock! It does exist, I forget the number. But your anecdote jives with my experience that the examiner may ask you for whatever he/she wants and may not ask for something that you actually need. DOB is unorganized that way.
As for the original poster, you should either call Sherwin the poster above who sounds like a regular (in Brooklyn if you are a “regular” you will get a lot further than if you are not- as it pertains to expediters)or get your expediter to get you a meeting with the chief-if you are convinced you are right and the examiner is just being stubborn.
BTW, I am not aware of any city planning staff that reviews projects of this size. At this level it is the DOB plan examiners that do the zoning review.
Good luck
What? He states that in writing?
Apologies for any perceived lack of information – trying to strike a balance between saying too much and too little. We think we’re finding a way through this but the big issue is the cert of occupancy. We have it, it states the nature of the building, and the city planning guy says he does not believe what the document states. It’s right there in black and white and he won’t accept it. And yes, we do have an expediter. Alice in Wonderland sort of stuff.
Agree with sherwin, although I am not sure how it is the owner’s fault. Either the architect did something wrong or the examiner is asking for things that are not required by the building or zoning code. Need more info and most likely review the drawings and site to know for sure. Might be a little of both. I had a comment recently that said an attic in R-2 is counted as floor space between 5 and 8 feet. When I pointed out that the zoning code says otherwise, I was told that there was a TPPN that over wrote the code. I asked to see it, then was told not to worry about it. Go figure.
that is not the case .
Brooklyn is just about the easiest borough to get anything
approved – correct , incorrect , or otherwise ,
Best and quickest approach is as follow:
We routinely submit zoning pre-determination requests which
is reviewed , examined , and ruled on by Chief Plan examiner with a minimal amount of drawings –
once the major issues are resolved and signed for we self-certify the application and it goes thru the system very quickly.
not a complicated process – 30 day turn around time.
each and every job has issues to be addressed in advance based on our previous experience.
Best regards
sherwin mirzai group2architectsengineers@yahoo.com
In terms of process, what Jock said is right. But your post is completely lacking in information, so it is impossible to say if your problems are with your architect, DOB or you!
You would need to withdraw the plans filed and file new plans with a new architect. If you want to talk to someone, give me a call. What did you try to do an extension that is not meeting zoning?