Converting from an illegal use

I am looking to buy a building listed on HPD as 5 units, but is used as 4 units. I think an owner did an illegal combination some time ago. There are no jobs or permits listed and no C of O. I want to keep it in its current 4 unit state, but for various reasons wish to legalize. What is the process? It is in a landmark district. Do I need a full set of drawings, City and Landmarks sign offs, etc.  or is there a simplier way to do this? Are there any unintended consequences — like the DOB asking for full house sprinklers or other stuff? Thanks as always….

housepoor

in Building Code 13 years and 5 months ago

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JL923 | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Like everyone said above, you need an architect. All i’m going to add to this is look for other conversions done in the area that you liked, and look up the filings they submitted and. the architect they used. The fees are even listed. This will give you an idea of what you might be required to do, and the cost. Good luck.

curated | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Gather up all infor you can get from the DOB and then call a couple of architects

pigthree | 13 years and 5 months ago

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creating a new c of o might not be necessary.  there is no c of o now.  find out the details on the building before heading down the path that the architect suggests.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 5 months ago

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On the paperwork that is filed it is listed as a legalization. Yes, you will need various contractors to sign off. Walls may need to be opened to allow DOB to inspect if they show up for the rough inspection. For electrical, they only come for a final anyway so that is easy. The main thing to do is create a new C of O. We always do research to see if there is anything down at dob to prove it was built as its current state. There are other things that can be done as well. Good luck. I do not know if open owners might yeild a vist and a violation. Without seeing the place it is hard to say but the combination depending upon how it was conducted may have cut off requried access to the roof among other things.

housepoor | 13 years and 5 months ago

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OP here —  It seems like I need the architect, plumber, and electrician to sign off on someone else’s work and I know how hard that can be to ask of someone. How would the inspection process typically work? How can plumbers, for example, sign off on the rough work when the walls are closed or does it get down to that detail? I don’t want to be paranoid about this, but need to get a feel for the process/cost/time it will take.  I’ll go down to the DOB Open Owners Night to see what they have in the records.

pigthree | 13 years and 5 months ago

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first need to check what is on file (the actual file) at the DOB.  What is listed on DOB’s web site might be wrong.  The DOF is not relavant.  HPD could be inaccurate as well.  This is information available to anyone on any address.  Do not need an architect yet.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 5 months ago

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You will need an architect. A submittal to DOB and Landmarks will be required.