Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
Accessory Use Zoning
In Zoning and Building Codes an accessory use is a use that is incidental and normally associated with the primary use of a building or group of buildings on the same zoning lot. An accessory use should not function as a stand alone use but to serve or directly...
Abutting Building Definition
Abutting buildings are buildings with walls touching or close enough to touching that they are considered abutting by building codes. Buildings with a seismic separation are still typically considered abutting. Abutting Building Definition Buildings that are...
Hard Cost vs Soft Cost in Construction and Development
Hard costs are costs directly related to construction including material and labor costs. Soft costs are additional costs not directly related to the construction budget such as architectural fees or permit fees. Hard Cost and Soft Cost are terms used to differentiate...
NYC Requires Solar or Green Roof Sustainable Zone
New York City has a law requiring a Sustainable Roofing Zone. This is an area on a roof dedicated to either Solar Power Generating Panels, a Green Roof, or a combination of the two. These Sustainable Roofing Zones are required for all new buildings, building...
What Is a Loft Apartment?
What is a Loft Apartment? A loft apartment is an apartment in a building that was converted to residential use from a commercial, manufacturing, or warehouse use. Lofts usually have large open spaces, columns, brick walls, and large windows. Loft apartments in New...
Use Group 18 NYC Zoning
The NYC Zoning Resolution has Use Groups to categorize buildings based on their use. NYC Zoning Use Group 18 is manufacturing uses. These uses are considered higher hazard or heavey manufacturing uses. Zoning NYC Use Group 18 Certificate Of Occupancy for Use...
Use Group 17 NYC Zoning
The NYC Zoning Resolution has Use Groups to categorize buildings based on their use. NYC Zoning Use Group 17 is manufacturing uses. Zoning NYC Use Group 17 Certificate Of Occupancy for Use Group 17 Use Groups are listed on the Certificate Of Occupancy for a...
Cost To Build A House in NYC
The cost to build a house in NYC will vary based on many variables, but the costs for a basic house will be between 300 and 350 per square foot and will go up to 500 per square foot or more to build a high end or luxury home. Cost To Build a House in NYC We...
National Grid Gas Moratorium
It appears National Grid is imposing a moratorium on new gas service connections. This can impact new developments because it is unclear as to when this moratorium will end. National Grid Gas Moratorium Should We Add Gas in NYC? So I am an architect in NYC and...
Test Fit Plan NYC
A Test Fit Plan is a basic architectural plan of a space to determine what can fit in a given space. A test fit is not a full architectural design. The goal is to test if the space will accommodate a given set of requirements for the proposed occupant. Test Fit...
