Adding Windows to Side of House

Joe – I think that’s not quite right.  As I understand it, if there’s 30 feet between two buildings on the same lot, then no fire rating needed.  But if the new window is on a lot line, then it needs to be rated.

dazednconfused2

in Architectural Salvage 12 years and 5 months ago

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babbo | 12 years and 5 months ago

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Hi good people of Brownstoner. I own a 3 story un-landmarked brick rowhouse that is attached on only one side, the open side is perpendicular to 4 backyards of similar houses, there is about 30-40 feet of backyard space between my house and the back of their houses. I really want to add two windows, one on my parlor floor, and one on my top floor. These windows would face the backyards, and also the back windows of 1 of the 4 houses. I’ve seen similar added windows on houses that share my orientation, but they’ve only added windows to their top floors, whereas I want to add a window not only to my top floor, but my parlour floor.  Has anyone done this? One contractor told me that there is no law against this, so it’s perfectly legal, but I wouldn’t want to make my neighbors feel like they are somehow losing privacy. Any people out there have any experience with this? Anyone added a window to a brick facade? Thanks!!

jockdeboeraia | 12 years and 5 months ago

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The open side is on the property line?  At the min. there are fire rating issues.

babbo | 12 years and 5 months ago

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Thanks for the reply d… Yes open side on property line, but their is 30-40 feet of backyard before you get to the back of their house…

m926bk | 12 years and 5 months ago

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This will have to be filed with the DOB, as it is a structural change to the wall, and lot-line windows must meet a certain fire-rating.

joearchitect | 12 years and 5 months ago

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Yes, you can cetainly do it but it will require permits.  If the nearest structure is more than 30′ feet away you don’t need fire rated windows.  You will need to have a restrictive declaration with the neighbor that compels you to remove or alter the windows if they build an addition that comes closer.  Thirty feet is not that far so the neighbor would be losing privacy but then again they might be tired of looking at a blank wall.  Even though it is legal it would be a great idea to talk to them about it first.

babbo | 12 years and 5 months ago

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Hi Joe, thank you for the information!!!! It’s so hard to find these things out without an architect. Yes, I’m certainly going to talk to them before hand. Thank you to m926bk too.