Legality of excavating front yard to make access to garden apartment easier

I own a traditional brownstone with an owner’s triplex and a garden apartment.  Presently one enters the garden apartment from under the stoop and there are two steps down immediately before the door (traditional brownstone set up).  My front yard is approximately 20″ above the level of the garden apartment floor (the yard is at the same grade as the sidewalk).  I’m considering excavating the front yard near the house (nearest 6 feet or so) so it is at the same level as the garden apartment floor.  You would still step down to this level via two steps, but the steps would be closer to the sidewalk and the “landing” would be much larger (the whole width of my building).  The advantages of this are that access to the apartment would be easier and I think it would generally look better.  This would also allow me to rework my hatch down to the basement (under the apartment) since after excavation it would have a drop closer to 8 feet rather than 10 feet it currently has. I’ve been looking around in the hood and have never seen this set-up and am wondering if there is a legal problem in doing it.  I know there will be other practical issues such as drainage and finishing the newly exposed facade, but I’m most concerned if i would run into some sort of legal issue.  I’d probably do most of the work myself. Thanks in advance!

brooklynbilt

in Brownstoner Renovation 13 years and 6 months ago

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hdlbklyn | 13 years and 6 months ago

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If you’re in a landmark district you may have an issue. I assume you’d also have to deal with your neighbor if you want to take it all the way across and dead end it into their stoop.

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Homeowners Association?  This is a brownstone in brooklyn, moneymogul.  Where are you posting from?  L.A.???

moneymogul | 13 years and 6 months ago

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I would check with any Home Owners Association you may belong to.  That would be the only legal problem I can foresee.

Townie | 13 years and 6 months ago

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It’s done all the time, usually down a step or three.  You will need a new drain   of course and to repair/resurface exposed brick at foundation.   I don’t think anything is legal anymore if you ask.