Dormer Penthouse

I just bought a 2 family house in Bushwick. As it’s an 1891 building with only a 1922 permit on file, I can’t really do anything that requires a permit unfortunately. I’m extremely tempted to add a spiral staircase to the top floor living room, providing access to the the attic where the ceilings are approximately four feet tall. There I would create a small bedroom probably 9 by 10\. To allow a tenant to stand up and provide light, I would add a dormer that raises the roof by about three feet. It would be facing the back of the property and wouldn’t be visible from the street. I would not add any plumbing, only a couple of electrical outlets. I’m just wondering if anyone has tried something similar? I’m hoping to skirt the edge of code so I can use my capable team to create this while not doing anything quite illegal. I would get a permit if I could without creating massive DOB problems for myself because of past renovations. One note: I’m thinking I’ll provide a fire escape door that would open onto the third bedroom’s loft bed. Thoughts?

bush2fam

in Building Code 10 years and 4 months ago

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zag0r | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Bahahahaha … I needed a good laugh after all that snow shoveling. You would use your capable team to skirt the edge of code to allow a tenant to stand up would you? Never has code been skirted for a more noble cause!

daveinbedstuy | 10 years and 4 months ago

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You are asking for trouble in having a tenant in a non legal unit. You may be able to get away with some non permitted interior renovations but raising a roof is really asking for trouble.

resident2 | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Why do you think you cannot do anything that requires a permit? Do not even think about raising the roof, even just in the rear. It will be seen from neighboring buildings. (future tenants etc) There are many buildings in foreclosure due to ECB fines and violations due to owners extending roofs, finishing basements or adding a small extension in the rear without permits. Anything that either protrudes from the building or extends the amount of living space should be filed, you are playing with fire otherwise.