by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 8, 2023 | Apartment Renovations, NYC DOB, Renovations
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... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Aug 15, 2023 | Building Conversions, NYC DOB, Townhouses
After the Great Depression, people converted townhouses in NYC into SRO Rooming Houses. They divided the townhouses and Brownstones into many small one-room apartments with a shared bathroom in the hallway of each floor. Today people are purchasing these SRO... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 26, 2020 | NYC DOB
Legally Required Windows are windows that must be provided to satisfy a code requirement for example a bedroom must have a window as per code. This would be considered a Legally Required Window. Legally Required Window Certain spaces with buildings have... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 5, 2024 | General Architecture, Hospitality, NYC DOB, NYC Zoning
Weather a hotel is a commercial or residential building is a matter of context. For example according to the New York City Zoning Resolution a hotel is a commercial use whereas the New York City Building Code Classifies a Hotel as Residential Occupancy. A hotel being... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jun 9, 2020 | Apartment Renovations, NYC DOB
The Special Tribeca Mixed Use District (TMU) has special rules governing the size and configuration of Lofts with regards to enlarging, extending, combining, and subdividing lofts. These rules will supersede the Zoning Codes of the Underlying District. Special... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 6, 2021 | New York City, NYC DOB, Sustainable Design
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... 
