How to confirm a house built in 1920s has a garage

The house we bought was built in 1920s and it currently does not have a garage. Information on DOB website did not show garage. However, one of document from the title company indicated “a garage appeared on the lot in the Belcher Hyde Atlas.” Not sure what to make out of it. Does Belcher Hyde Atlas full of noise where I should ignore it? But if there is a good chance that the property legally had a garage, I would like to pursue it further and get it updated with the DOB. Any feedbacks or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

jlqnsny

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 10 years ago

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SewardWasRight | 10 years ago

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jlqnsny, The I-Card will work if you house was ever a multiple dwelling (or, in some cases, used as one). The Belcher maps will have what you are looking for. Go here to find the year you need: http://www.historicmapworks.com/Search/publisher.php?query=E.+Belcher+Hyde+Map+Co&l=1 SWR

larryg | 10 years ago

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Try viewing the I Card for your house by going to hpdonline: enter the house address and you will be able to view the hand drawn original layout of the house.

resident2 | 10 years ago

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You can try for restoring a pre-existing condition. The Belcher Maps is a good start, but you will need more. But also it will depend on if you still have a curb cut and how close it is to traffic lights, corners etc. If you can deal with him; he is not the easiest, try Scott Schnall ( Building Engineer and expeditor) on Atlantic Ave, he will point you in the direction one way or the other. If you have never dealt with him, be warned he does not have a customer service manner. He generally deals with contractors, architects that are not too fragile and the Building Department. It has sadly got to him over the years..

daveinbedstuy | 10 years ago

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Any construction of a garage where there currently is not one would have to conform to all zoning and codes, including setbacks. You can’t grandfather something in that isn’t actually there.