Landmarks and backyard building

Does it violate the Landmarks code to build a house on stilts in your backyard?  Over at 97 St. Marks Ave, they’ve built an entire cottage on stilts, complete with a deck, rising up about 25 feet off the ground. Anyone know if this is legal?

stmarksave

in Landmarks 13 years and 7 months ago

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NeoGrec | 13 years and 7 months ago

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As the poster above indicates, LPC does indeed have jurisdiction over the backyard. This sounds like a possible violation so call 311 and/or LPC. I believe the owners of this house are the same ones who went through a lengthy battle with the city trying to convert the front half of their garden floor into a garage which would have also required the loss of the original iron fence and a street tree. Fortunately they were not able to move forward with this plan. Neighbors also believe they are running an illegal hotel/hostel out of the house! You could also report the situation to the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council. Go to their website at phndc.org and submit a comment. They have relationships with LPC and other city agencies.

m926bk | 13 years and 7 months ago

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The LPC reviews all kinds of things that do not require a DOB permit (like new windows and doors in existing openings).  In general, changes that are exterior (even in the back) and above and beyond normal repair require a review and LPC permit.  If you think this wasn’t reviewed, you could call the LPC violations department.

gardenchill | 13 years and 7 months ago

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my husband built a tree house for the owner many years ago. maybe the new owner added a deck to it. so, post a pic and i’ll know for sure.

brooklynhome | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I was in that backyard several years ago and its a play structure that is about 10′ off the ground that was built by a previous owner.  It is sound and totally cool.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Unless the guy is a engineer, I would guess it is unsound. Most decks I see that were not designed and permited are unsound too. Not properly braced the thing will fall over. Sheds have a height limit, of which this thing is wall over.

pigthree | 13 years and 7 months ago

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jock, how do you know from the post that it is not structurally sound? Sheds are legal, and don’t require a permit.  The 25′ is beyond shed specs though

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 7 months ago

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If it can be seen from the street, yes. I would guess they did not pull a dob permit for it as it sounds like it is illegal. Sounds like a fort for a kid. A good way to kill your kid though.

gardenchill | 13 years and 7 months ago

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sounds very cool. can you post a photo?