Cellar Access from The Street

We are creating a duplex with the basement and the parlor level. The existing stairs will be used to connect the two floors, so the current cellar stairs will be enclosed in the duplex.  If we rent out this space we are concerned with access to the cellar.  Has anyone ever done work to create an entrance/stair from the front well area?  If we go ahead we will definitely hire an architect and engineer, but are trying to see if this type of work is even feasible for us – i.e. cost, time, stress, etc. -so we would appreciate advice from anyone that has done anything like this.  I’m wondering if we could use one of the two small ventilation windows at the ground level of the well –  in the front of the bldg., or go down under the external stair (that leads to the main entrance at the parlor level).

anonymous

in Cellar 13 years and 6 months ago

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anonymous | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Thanks everyone for your advice.  It is a three family house, so we definitely need separate access.  I  checked out Union Street and I’m hoping that we have enough room for something similar. Does anyone know if a spiral stair will be considered legal egress?

agdipierro

in Cellar 13 years and 6 months ago

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There are different requirements for cellar access depending upon whether this is an one or a two family house or a multiiple dwelling (3 or more families). Which is it? For a one or two family you may not need discrete access to the cellar.

flyingdesigner | 13 years and 6 months ago

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We moved the stair to the cellar to the front of the house so that they can be accessed via the door under the stoop.  One enters the under stoop entrance and is presented with two doors.  One leads to the lower apartment, the other to the stairs into the cellar.

guikazoid | 13 years and 6 months ago

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we’ve had numerous discussions with contractors regarding creating steps from the backyard to the cellar.  i fwd you the info they proposed.  guikazoid at hotmail dot com

Goatcrapp | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Do you have access currently, via a storm hatch and a ladder?  If so – i’ve seen this opening widened, and a spiral stair fitted (it’ll be tight, but better than a ladder) If you’re looking for steps down – possible, but you’ll need at least a drywell at the bottom, for drainage, if not a hookup to the sewer (but it’s probably below sewage grade) and as bruce mentioned – if you’ve got a shallow front, there simply won’t be enough room to create even a steep staircase down. note: regarding the spiral stair and enlarged trap door/ hatch – I can’t speak to the legality of this.. only that i’ve seen it done.

brucef | 13 years and 6 months ago

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This access is often built, especially when the front yard is deep enough. If you have a chance go to the house two doors to the left of the 76th Precint on Union St in Carroll Gardens. With shallow front yards, it will be impossible.