Building Restrictions on the Garden Level

I am looking at a building that presently has three floor through apartments and what I will call an unfinished garden level (bioler is on that level). It is partly below ground in the front but level with garden in the back (It has its own entrance but is more below ground than they typical garden level apartments I have seen).  Do you know how I can determine if the garden level has any development restrictions.  Someone mentioned if classified as a cellar maybe issues doing what I wanted with it. Idea would be to combine with floor above and create duplex with 2 rentals above (using garden as floor with bedrooms). DOB website does not have a Certificate of Occupancy on file for this address. Are there cost effective ways to confirm how this level can be used prior to making an offer. All owner will represent is that the garden level can be used as recreation area with half a bathroom.

mberglaw

in Cellar 12 years and 10 months ago

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pigthree | 12 years and 10 months ago

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the determining grade is an average from the four corners of the property.

nionjeo | 12 years and 10 months ago

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jockdeboeraia | 12 years and 10 months ago

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It can be done, but there are all kinds of restrictions.  You will need a pro as Geek says.

geekspice | 12 years and 10 months ago

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This is what I know from having work done in my own english basement – I am not a professional. If the garden floor is more than 50% below grade, then dob looks on it as a cellar, and it cannot be used for living space. That means no 3-pc bath, no bedrooms. You can review the building code online to determine whether it is more than 50% below grade; I believe in most but not all cases it is measured from curb height.