Changing the Certificate of Occupancy

What if the house has no C of O (pre-dates)? I have a similar situation where Dept of Finance classifies our house as a two-family but it’s configured as a one family. Was trying to get a loan on the house but the bank denied due to the discrepancy. Was thinking we should request Finance to change the designation but don’t want a can of worms where we have to get a C of O and convert with Buildings… or do the two city agencies even speak to each other? Does anyone have any experience changing classification with Finance?

gowanusgekko

in Brownstoner Renovation 11 years and 9 months ago

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brooklyntoqueens | 11 years and 9 months ago

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I own a 2 family with cellar and we are going to convert it to a single home. Is it worth changing the CofO to a 1 family? How much does it cost and how long does it take to get it approved? Also my guess is that taxes will be lower but how much lower would it be?

pigthree | 11 years and 9 months ago

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You will have to file architectural drawings. taxes will not be lower and may even increase depending on improvements to the property. You also may be required to sprinkler the property with the change of use.

dazednconfused2 | 11 years and 9 months ago

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Going from a two to a one-family is not a change in use, so there’s very little likelihood that sprinklers would become necessary. Generally, the only reason they would be in this case would be if the house was significantly enlarged.

Arkady | 11 years and 9 months ago

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I use my house as a one-family even though the CofO is a two. I was told the change to one wouldn’t have a very big impact on taxes & the two would make it more desirable for eventual sale – not that I plan to do that after 30 years here.

resident2 | 11 years and 9 months ago

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Do not waste your time and perhaps open up a hole Pandora’s box. There is nothing wrong with using a two family as a one. The tax rate is the same, but by filing plans to “improve” your property you will actually trigger an increase in taxes. And lastly once you convert to a one, it is a big deal to try to convert it back to a two. You have options as it is; live in as a one or two as you please. Leave it well enough alone and enjoy living in your house as you like.