Add Room on Roof?

One more thing to consider. Your building may be registered as a Multiple Dwelling. Even though it’s a multi-family dwelling, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Multiple Dwelling. There are special laws which restrict the height of Multiple Dwellings, and usually once a property is converted to or registered as a Multiple Dwelling is cannot be increased in height. Your C of O, if you have one, will say whether or not you are a Multiple Dwelling. If not, then yes, you may need an architect to determine if you have the allowable floor area before you even consider Landmarks. If you do, then most likely you’ll be able to get through Landmarks if you make sure it’s not visible from the street. Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP **Urban Pioneering Architecture, DPC**

dazednconfused2

in Roofing 10 years and 5 months ago

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youngmd64 | 10 years and 5 months ago

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We live in the top unit of a five story co-op in a landmarked district and are considering adding a room to the roof (we have exclusive roof rights). Does anyone know how to find out whether such an addition would be permissible in our neighborhood? I see other similar additions on other roofs nearby. Do you approach an architect first or consult with the Landmarks Commission or Buildings Department?

no-permits | 10 years and 5 months ago

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if youve already talked to your board, next step would be to talk to an architect. it doesn’t sound worth it for only one room.

Arkady | 10 years and 5 months ago

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Landmarks has to see plans in order to make a decision so an architect first – one w/ experience working in landmarked district.

resident2 | 10 years and 5 months ago

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If your building is a five story, it is probably already over built for the zoning. secondly; as you are a Co-Op you are one tax lot, if I lived in that co-op I would not want my taxes raised because of your increased space (improvement) How do you reallocate shares for your additional space? among so many other co-op issues. The amount, time, costs and maneuvering to get this done, will not be worth the end result. It will be cheaper and easier all round to sell and buy a bigger place that already exists.