by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Aug 31, 2022 | Building Codes, NYC DOB, Residential
The New York City Building Code and NY State Multiple Dwelling Law require that a living room must have at least one operable window. The window’s total surface area has to be at least 10% of the area of the room and the combined opening area at least 5% of the... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 26, 2022 | Historic Preservation, NYC DOB, Restoration
Local Law 11 also known as FISP requires facade inspections to be performed by a licensed architect or engineer who is also qualified as a QEWI. A QEWI is a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer who is certified by the New York City Department of Buildings as... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 18, 2022 | Historic Preservation, NYC DOB, Restoration
What is FISP? The Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) also known as Local Law 11 is a requirement for building owners to have regular inspections by an architect or engineer to verify the safety of exterior walls for buildings over six stories in NYC. Safety... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 6, 2022 | Loft Design in NYC, NYC DOB, NYC Zoning, Uncategorized
SoHo and NoHo lofts are sometimes designated as Joint Live Work Quarters for Artists (JLWQA). If you are not an artist and would like to own one of these lofts, you can now convert certain JLWQA lofts to an unrestricted residential loft as a result of the SoHo / NoHo... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 3, 2022 | New York City, NYC DOB
On December 15, 2021 New York City Council passed a rezoning plan to SoHo and NoHo. This plan incorporates rezoning to mixed use zoning districts for commercial and residential uses with Mandatory Inclusionary Housing for residential developments within the newly... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 22, 2022 | Apartment Renovations, NYC DOB
Can you turn a studio into a one bedroom apartment? It is possible to legally turn a studio apartment into a one bedroom apartment in NYC provided the studio has sufficient floor area and windows. An architect can obtain approval from the NYC Department of Buildings... 
