English Basement Questions

Hello,
I am interested in a barrel Limestone townhouse in Brooklyn built in ~ 1900.
The house seems to have an English Basemen based on all my reading research online. It appears to be below grade in the front with stairs under stoop to enter, however, opens up at ground level to the backyard/garden in the back. How can I determine for sure whether or not it is a cellar or a basement?

Assuming it is an English Basement, how can I understand what is legally allowed to be there? (I.e. 3 piece bathroom, kitchen or not?)

Lastly, the house does not have a CoA but is classified as single family according to Dept of Finance. (does that even mean anything?). The basement is connected by a stairs from the first floor. It’s my understand that I would not be able to rent it out unless formally converted to a 2 family (which is a super complicated and expensive process). What if I just want to use it for my own personal use as a entertaining space/rec room?

Would appreciate if any fellow brownstoners have experience and expertise with this kind of situation in Brooklyn. TIA!

nadiagr8

in General Discussion 6 years and 9 months ago

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jimhillra | 6 years and 9 months ago

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Is there another level below this basement?

In our experience, almost every time there’s a garden level and a level below that, it’s a basement and cellar. If a basement, then it’s treated exactly like another story, but yes there are provisions for less than an 8′ ceiling, depending on a few different things.

If it’s a cellar, then you might be able to have a recreation room. You might even have a 3-piece bathroom (powder room + tub or shower). Both of these have their own sets of caveats, but are worth looking into.

anotherposter | 6 years and 9 months ago

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It sounds like most of the houses on our side of the block we are on and many of them rent out that level, called the garden level, aka the basement (cellar is below that in our houses). This specific house could be different but it is possible that it could be a legal rental as far as it being a habitable floor, so it’s worth check the things the others mentioned.

cate | 6 years and 9 months ago

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From your description, it sounds as though it’s probably not a legal place to have a full kitchen, full bath and rent out as a separate apartment but you are welcome to use it as a rec room or office for yourself. FWIW PropertyShark now notes whether the basement is below or above grade (not that I would rely on PS 100 percent).

daveinbedstuy | 6 years and 9 months ago

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Also find out if there is more than one meter for electricity and/or gas.

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

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Thanks for the information.

shahnandersen

in General Discussion 6 years and 9 months ago

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The difference between a cellar and a basement is that a basement is anything less than 50% below grade. If it’s deeper than that it’s a cellar. (Note that this is above LEGAL grade which may not be the same as actual grade at the curb. So if you’re an few unches off either way, you;ll need to do more checking.)
I *believe* that for all practical purposes as long as there is adequate ceiling height (7.5 ft??), you can have any residential type room in the basement as part of the apartment above.
As far as using it as a two family, is it set up now as such with 2 kitchens baths etc? If so check if there is an iCard for the building, If there is an iCard that shows previous use as a two family, you may be able to get a Letter of No Objection (LNO) from DOB allowing its use as a two family even though the DOF list it as a one.