Local Law 58 - accessibility waiver request

I have an application with DOB to convert my brownstone from SRO to a 4 family. I drafted an accessibility waiver request arguing that [1] since it has a stoop, it would be physically and economically burdensome to install wheelchair access and [2] the building is landmarked. Are these legitimate basis for a waiver? Chris

wesed1

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 1 month ago

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Augustiner | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Somehow this came up during my sro conversion also. I’m not 100% sure how this was resolved but I think if you file with 1968 code wheelchair access is not necessary. Btw from what I read SRO to 4 family triggers higher taxes than 3 family. Consider that the tax calculation for 1-3 family is different from 4+ family, And because sro conversions have to 100% permitted the value increase will be well documented

dazednconfused2 | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Unless it’s an elevator building, the only floor required to be accessible is the ground floor, and then only in a 3-family or more.

eileengray | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Yes. You don’t even have to claim economic burden – removing the stoop would not be permitted by landmarks. You might want to show that access to the basement apartment would not be possible either just in case they agree about the upper floor access but claim the basement should be an accessible unit. It’s highly unlikely that there is enough room for a legal ramp to go from the street level to the entry level under the stoop. Your architect should be able to do a quick sketch proving that a ramp is impossible.