Does a 2-family home need a heating unit enclosure?

My home currently has an HPD class B violation for not having a “proper enclosure for the central heating unit, cellar”. However, I’ve combed old forums on this site that say single and two-family properties do not need boiler enclosures. Would someone-in-the-know please inform us incontrovertibly one way or the other? I can’t find anything referencing this on the HPD website.   Thanks!

bedstuywalla

in Building Code 13 years and 6 months ago

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masterbuilder | 13 years and 6 months ago

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1-2 family homes do not need an enclosure.  3 family and above do.  It will cost more to change the C of O than to build it.

pigthree | 13 years and 6 months ago

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I also want to emphasize that how the DOB lists a building classification on their web site is not evidence of the buildings legal use.  Nor is how the building is taxed by the DOF.  That can only be determined by documentation of a Certificat of Occupancy, or if no C of O exists,  an existing filed floor plan or documentation of an “action” on the property wich lists the use or possibly (not 100% sure) info listed on the “I”-card.   If nothing exists in file then a “letter of no objection” for use can be submitted and the DOB will inspect the property and either approve or deny the letter. Seems like a good, inexpensive way to start.

pigthree | 13 years and 6 months ago

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It surprised me Jim. Your definitive response sounded more like Jock. If the C of O exists for a three, then obviously the conversation changes. That is why I started my response with “If”. The current status of the C of O is relevant info too big to over look. Seems it should be the start of “the conversation”, no? Just to be clear, do we disagree because you don’t like what I have to say or because it’s incorrect?

dazednconfused2 | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Did the expediter realize that in changing the classification from a three-family to a two, you are eliminating the non-compliance and can clear the violation?  You might be able to clear the violation as part of a no-work alteration, if there is no other work required to make the switch to a two-family. Sounds like it might be easier than you think.

pigthree | 13 years and 6 months ago

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If there is no c of o on the house for three family, I would disagree with Jim.  Check the original file.  This comes up alot in reverse.   DOB makes mistakes all the time.  My house listed by DOB and DOF as a two family.  After two letters of no objection by former owner were rejected, and lots of running around by bank and appraiser and me at the dob – house is legal one. Point being, if you could prove that the house was never a legal three and was always a legal two, then you might have a persuasive argument to get the violation lifted.   Tax man used to count “door bells” on the house to determine tax class.  DOB is, in the modern times, still a fu@ked up mess.

Master Plvmber | 13 years and 6 months ago

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I assure you there is no one at Joralemon St or anywhere else within the system who is interested in that story. They’ve already heard it from 200 other people and it’s their job to not care. Listen to Jim Hill. Anything else will waste your time.

bedstuywalla | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Should I just go down to Joralemon Street and try to explain this to someone and get their advice, or is that a waste of time?

dazednconfused2 | 13 years and 6 months ago

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If the DOB considers it a three, they will treat it as a three until it is officially and legally classified otherwise.  So consider yourself a multi-family and therefore subject to the rules thereof.  Enclose the boiler or finish the C of O application.   Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban PIoneering Architecture

agdipierro

in Building Code 13 years and 6 months ago

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Typically, one and two family homes are not required to have their own discrete boiler room. Ed Kopel Architects, PC.

Master Plvmber | 13 years and 6 months ago

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I don’t usually like to answer questions here in this way, but since no one else has chimed in I’ll say that I don’t *think* so. I’ve always been told that one and two family homes do not need to create a boiler room for their boiler, but that if you do, it must comply with all the codes concerning fire-rating, combustion air, etc. I know you said it’s an HPD violation, but you should consult with the Dept of Buildings.