by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Dec 31, 2023 | Architectural Services, NYC DOB
The New York City Department of Buildings or DOB issues Certificates of Occupancy to identify the legal use of a given property. This practice began in 1938, meaning buildings built before 1938 are not necessarily required to have a Certificate of Occupancy. In cases...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Aug 31, 2022 | 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 Jun 13, 2023 | FISP Local Law 11, Landmarks / Preservation, NYC DOB
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 Jun 22, 2023 | FISP Local Law 11, Landmarks / Preservation, NYC DOB
What is FISP? The Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11, is a requirement for buildings to have regular inspections to verify the safety of the exterior walls for buildings over six stories in NYC. Safety reports are filed with...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Aug 17, 2023 | Lofts, NYC DOB, NYC Zoning
SoHo and NoHo lofts are sometimes designated as Joint Living-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 unrestricted residential lofts due to the SoHo / NoHo rezoning...
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...
