Parapet on Neighbor's Extension

Hi Our neighbors have been building a 3-story 17 ft long full-width extension to the back of their brownstone. For obvious reasons, this isn’t ideal or great for us but I won’t get into that aspect. The extension is built of “finished” cinderblock. I assumed it would rise to the level of our roof but now they are telling me that the DOB requires them to g0 3′ higher to create a parapet wall around their extension. I asked if it was possible to make this additional 3′ from metal fencing/railing, rather than solid cinderblock? and they said no that the DOB requires it out of cinderblock all the way up. First of all, is this true? THat the DOB requires a 3′ parapet wall on extensions? and second of all, that it cannot be fencing? If anyone knows the answers or has had experience with this – please let me know. I’d greatly appreciate it. THanks

jojoli

in Roofers 11 years and 2 months ago

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brooklyntoqueens | 11 years and 2 months ago

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I have a somewhat related question. I live in a 4 floor, 8 apartment condo with a flat roof and our issue is people walking on our roof from the two adjacent rental buildings. We would like to put up a fence on both sides to keep people out. I’ve seen a few around but I’m not sure how legal they are and if there are any limitation on hight (including the parapets we also have on the two sides). Also would this be a job we can do without permits or would we need to do everything through the DOB?

transworld | 11 years and 2 months ago

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Are you sure it’s not a wall to detain rainwater? You use that if you release rain water in the sewer system. “Blue roofs are designed for the primary purpose of detaining stormwater. Through weirs at the roof drain inlets, blue roofs create temporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater.”

concord | 11 years and 2 months ago

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Metal railing is fine. We just went through the same thing…in our case the contractor made the parapet shorter and when the inspector came for the final inspection he required the full height – euther brick (same as the walls) or metal railing. We went with metal railing as roof was already on and it would have been a nightmare. The parapet is required (safety so no one – firefighters specially – falls off the ‘new’ sides). Good luck

johnife | 11 years and 2 months ago

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It depends on the height of the roof above the surrounding grade. I can’t remember whether it’s 15 or 20 feet when the requirement for 3′ 6″ fall protection kicks in. As the the construction of the parapet, a steel railing would absolutely meet code. Your neighbor is just trying to get away with the less costly option.