Can you Add a Garage Where There Isn't One?
I recently looked at purchasing a townhouse in Cobble Hill that had been built in the last five years on an empty lot. The owners built a garage into their townhouse and obviously got approval from the city to cut into the curb for access. Now I am considering another townhouse that will require a…
I recently looked at purchasing a townhouse in Cobble Hill that had been built in the last five years on an empty lot. The owners built a garage into their townhouse and obviously got approval from the city to cut into the curb for access.
Now I am considering another townhouse that will require a gut renovation. As long as I am tearing down nearly every wall in the place – can I add in a garage? Does anyone know what Brooklyn’s rules are for this sort of thing?
Thanks!
The Times Sunday real estate section had a big piece on the city’s changing perspective on curb cuts. http://bk.ly/tHa
If the bk.ly shortener I see advertised here fails, then just search curb cut on nytimes.com.
ZR 25-50 and ZR 25-60 and contact landmarks commission if your building is landmark
Thanks for all the replies. When you guys say it depends on the zoning district and width of the property, any ideas on where would i find out what those regulations are, specifically?
I seriously doubt you’ll be able to do what you want.
The one you looked at -the new construction- probably already had a curbcut (former parking).
It depends on the zoning district and width of the property. You will need a survey and an analysis before you waste your $ 160.00 extortion fee for the DOB.
In addition to what has been said above, it will also depend on where the house is. If it is in a landmarked area, save your money, it won’t be approved. The city is looking less favorably on curb cuts than it has in the past. Brooklyn is filling up rapidly and a lot of people want curb cuts, but a curb cut takes space off the street. If you were building a multi-family and providing off street parking for multiple cars, you might have a better chance.
It is getting very tough now a days to do this. How wide is the property?
You may also want to check the zoning regulation for maximum parking spaces you can have.
Here:
http://prtl-prd-web.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/curbcuts.pdf
And this: (from DOB FAQ)
Q – How do I get a “curb cut” permit?
A – File an application document (PW-1), a recent survey, a drawing of the planned curb cut and a filing fee with the Department. After the plan is approved, a permit can be obtained. You don’t need the professional services of a Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE).