Conversion of 1-family house in historic district, brooklyn to 2-family unit

I don’t know, but perhaps it managed to get by under the radar sometime between 1938 and the 1961 zoning resolution. The deed covenant is enforced by the Lefferts Manor Association, a volunteer homeowners organization established in 1919 [taking over a job previously done by the Lefferts family, as they sold off lots between 1893 and 1918]; the zoning has been enforced by the City since 1961.

BobMarvin

in Conversion 8 years and 11 months ago

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hmcghee | 8 years and 11 months ago

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Hello,
1) Is it possible to convert a landmarked single family 3 story, row-house to a 2-family, in a historic neighborhood of Prospect Lefferts Gardens?

The house is currently a A4 single family, zoned R2, has no certificate of occupancy, but has a I-card saying 1 family, even though 2 kitchens are listed in the I-card. The adjacent neighbor’s (attached) row-house has a certificate of occupancy for 2-family, and has a converted B3-2 family designation.

2) If possible, what are the steps involved? Do we need to go thru Landmark commission, in addition to the zoning department of DOB? What are the fees? how long does the process (from permit request application to certificate of occupancy) take? Does the fact that the neighbor’s house is a 2-family help this process?

Thank you.

BobMarvin | 8 years and 11 months ago

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Lefferts Manor, which has deed covenants restricting usage to single family only, is the only part of the PLG Historic District that also has R2 zoning (also single family). Thus any other use would be a violation of both the covenant and zoning. FWIW landmarking has nothing to do with this–a sizable part of the PLG HD (the north side of Lincoln Road plus Lefferts Ave, and Sterling Street) isn’t limited to single family use.

hmcghee | 8 years and 11 months ago

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Thank you for your response. I am wondering though how the very next neighbor’s house has a CoO for a 2 family unit (B3-2)?