Is a Handicapped Accessible Bathroom Required in 3 Family Brownstone?

We are converting a 4 family brownstone to a 3 family. The only work we’re doing is on the parlor and second floors. The DOB examiner is insisting now, after most of the work is finished, that we add a handicapped accessible bathroom to the ground floor, which isn’t part of the renovation. Neither the architect nor our expediters have said that this should be required, and the ground floor apartment is rented — we can’t renovate the bathroom without tremendously inconveniencing a young family. We have appealed to the Borough Commissioner and have been waiting for months for a response. This is holding up our permitting and costing us thousands of dollars in waiting. The building was just renovated, and the C of O changed, 12 years ago, and no handicapped bathroom was required. Does anyone know if the DOB can require us to add a handicapped accessible bathroom, even though the ground floor was not part of the renovation? Is there any way around this? Please only answer if you are certain. We may need new expediters. Thank you!

brettlewis

in Expeditors 11 years and 2 months ago

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jayhey | 11 years and 1 month ago

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If you’re not altering the ground floor unit, and only the upper floors, then there is no need for H.C. accessibility.

arch007 | 11 years and 2 months ago

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not certain about anything but you may be able to get a waiver I also read FHA rules only apply to 4 units and more. http://www.nyc.gov/html/mopd/html/waiver/waiver.shtml

jockdeboeraia | 11 years and 2 months ago

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Was it changed from a 3 to a 4 12 years ago?