Changing C of O from 2 to 3 family

BEWARE SPRINKLERS!   The DOB has recently begun interpreting the code VERY strictly in regards to sprinklers.  What you are doing is changing use (from a one or two family to a three).  Technically, any change in use requires compliance with the section of the code dealing with sprinklers.  We recently changed a townhouse from a three to a two and were hit with sprinklers.  We were able to get a variance from the FDNY, but the process was long and difficult, and we needed to keep the fire escape.   Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP Urban PIoneering Architecture

dazednconfused2

in Expeditors 12 years and 11 months ago

3

Please log in, in order to post replies!

3 replies

Newest Oldest

nhamilto | 12 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4935 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4908 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "178779"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "nhamilto"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BYqNTNkMJCIUyAxLkrKpHTBay4r4xW."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "nhamilto"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "nickhamilton@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/nhamilto/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:21:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "nhamilto"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(178779)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’m getting close to signing the contract on a two family home which is configured as a three family and would like to keep the layout with its three separate apartments as is. Before I embark on the odyssey that is changing a C of O could anyone help with the following; -Is handicapped access required for the garden level/ground floor apartment in a three family house? -If the garden apartment is just over 50% above street level, making it legally habitable, if only just, is there a risk that the DOB inspector might question this when it comes to the final inspection? -If the third, technically illegal apartment currently has a kitchen-what is to be done with this? Does the expeditor ignore this on the plans she is going to draw up that will be submitted to the DOB? -Finally, will I have to pay any DOB fines on work that the current owenrs have carried out on the building w/o permits inc. complete rewire and replumb and the two to three unit conversion? Many thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!!

jockdeboeraia | 12 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4934 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4933 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "40876"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTfkV3DGGseot8oNyuG6kVhsNhUD2n1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "jdeboer@jockdeboer.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "/forums/users/deboerarchitects/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:15:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "VK4zWrfWbTPHLfSSlGZI"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(40876)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Yes, h/c access will be requried.  DOB tends to question whatever they want.  It just depends upon the examiner.  The third unit would need to be legalized.  The expediter should not ignore it but that is not the person drawing up the plans.  You will need a licensed architect or engineer.  Yes, there will be fines due to the legalization.  It can be limited to that work only.

curiositykilledthecat | 12 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4930 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4936 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "6686"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpJy36BOM60xHZK8im0n0KWBROkJ8V1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "catherineharren@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(36) "/forums/users/curiositykilledthecat/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:13:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(6686)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

If it is a wood frame home, you will not be able to make it a legal 3\. If it is brick, you can make it a legal 3, but yes, you will have to do handicap accessible. I think you’ll have to install sprinklers as well