Is it legal to dig out hatch & create egress/stairs into 100% below grade cellar

Does anyone know the absolute answer to this – is it legal to dig out the hatch in front of a house and install stairs and new door into the cellar? So, creating egress where there wasn’t one. It’s a 3-story house attached on both sides (all 3 stories 100% above ground level). The cellar is 100% below ground level with no windows. This is the latest thing this house is doing that makes me and others on our block suspicious they’re doing an illegal conversion. They’ve been doing an Alt 2 gut reno sinc
e the fall, and the architect self-certified. I’m pretty sure they had their DOB inspection a few weeks ago, too. Would like to hear folks’ thoughts, and if an architect could chime in, that would be great. TIA.

ps158

in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago

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tapioca2 | 6 years and 1 month ago

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Hello,
Maria here & I too am seeking to create functional entry/egress double wide DOORS to the front & back of my typical bay window Bushwick Brownstone that is attached on both sides. I am in the process of a multi phase total building remodel. The size of my doors made phase one a challenge. Phase one was taking down a monstrous dying tree & several smaller ones, leveling the backyard & laying the foundation to eventually garden organically.
For the tree removal I went with Tarzan Tree Service. Joe & his crew were ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! They were Professional, prompt, efficient & affordable despite having to do everything by hand because none of their heavy duty equipment would fit through my narrow backyard door. The challenges of phase one gave rise to the idea of the double wide entry & egress cellar doors in the front & back Of the building for the next phase, removal of an “antique “ boiler, 2 oil tanks, more backyard work & to bring light & usefulness to valuable dark damp wasted cellar space. NONE of which has anything remotely to do with an illegal co nversion. It just makes sense to make use of the cellar for me. So, if any Brownstoner’s have already tackled this project please share your wisdom, any referrals, tips & hopefully price point while I do my part to improve Brownstone Bushwick for all!
Thanks, Maria

Guest User | 6 years and 2 months ago

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I would love to do exactly this to our front hatch. Seems as though it would be so much easier to move things into the cellar this way.

ps158 | 6 years and 2 months ago

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Yeah, we got that. I just remembered that our front area is not city owned, so theirs must be the same since it’s the exact same type of property. Thanks for answering.

resident2 | 6 years and 2 months ago

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You have to go to DOB to see the drawings.
Did you get a survey when you bought the property? Part of your title report?

ps158 | 6 years and 2 months ago

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And it’s not landmarked. Not sure if City owned. I had no idea the City could own a front lot.

ps158 | 6 years and 2 months ago

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You mean I can see the actual drawings? Can I see that online or do I have to go to DOB and request the file? Back when we did our reno we couldn’t see plans online, not sure if that has changed. I tried searching BIS but only see the permits and text description of the work. Thanks!

resident2 | 6 years and 2 months ago

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It is possible: it depends on a lot issues as always. Survey; who owns the front yard, many are part City owned. Is it land-marked?; in which case; no.
Look on the plans that were filed & you will get your answer. Anyone can pull the file & take a look.