Rego Park, NY · Member since 2016 · 11 posts · 3 votes
Hi, I'm purchasing a house in the Bronx, NY area. The Building department listed this property as a "b3-2 Family" which means it was a one family converted to a 2 family. but the CO still shows as a one family. How likely I can obtain the CO of the property as a 2 family? Any one has encountered this issue before?
Real Estate Broker · Bronx, NY · Member since 2011 · 597 posts · 341 votes
9y
Hi Tom Huang,
This can be a major issue. It's really going to depend on the permits and if they were pulled and documented accordingly by the architect or contractor. Could be something simple that was done a couple years ago and you can prove it right away or 20+ years ago and the architect or contractor are gone and you would practically have to do the paperwork process all over again. You really have to speak to your attorney, banker, title company to find out what can be done. Find out how long ago it was done by the seller as well.
Real Estate Broker · Bronx, NY · Member since 2011 · 597 posts · 341 votes
9y
Hi Tom Huang,
This can be a major issue. It's really going to depend on the permits and if they were pulled and documented accordingly by the architect or contractor. Could be something simple that was done a couple years ago and you can prove it right away or 20+ years ago and the architect or contractor are gone and you would practically have to do the paperwork process all over again. You really have to speak to your attorney, banker, title company to find out what can be done. Find out how long ago it was done by the seller as well.
Wholesaler · Elmont, NY · Member since 2014 · 55 posts · 9 votes
9y
The DOB also has homeowners night 1x per week and for Bx I think its Thurs-please ask to be sure. On homeowner night , an inspector will actually sit down with you even for 1 hour and evaluate your situation.
The DOB is usually helpful even if you don't go on homeowner nt . Plus, I think if the DOB has it as a B3 than they are probably right and instead of a CO you may ask for a LNO-Letter of No Objection. But, You don't need the CO, even to sell the house as long as you don't have any DOB violations. Maybe, Its also possible that the change occurred prior to co's being issued. Finally, I prefer to go to an architect who has exper with that county. Good Luck
Rego Park, NY · Member since 2016 · 11 posts · 3 votes
9y
thanks! I just spoke to an Architect, he said there's something about in an R4 zoning area, if I want to convert a 1 family into 2 family, the pre-existing condition is that at least 25% of building on that block must be muilti-family, has anyone heard of this before?
Wholesaler · Elmont, NY · Member since 2014 · 55 posts · 9 votes
9y
Hi Tom,
you said that the DOB has it as a 2 fam converted from a 1 fam. The DOB is the one who gives permits to convert from a 1 to a 2 fam. If the DOB has it as 2 fam than it is probably already a legal 2 fam. IF only THE DOF ( dept of finance) has it as a b3 than that is a different story. The DOF taxes the prop (typically based on its use) and this DOES NOT mean that the prop is a 2 fam; because the DOF IS NOT THE DOB. THe DOF commonly makes mistakes about prop use and taxes. I remember a case where a foundation only property was being taxed as a completed 1 fam NEW house. This went on for sevl yrs and the owner lost his attempt to have overpaid taxes ret'd. to him. Of course the DOF blamed the owner for not notifying the agency, Despite an apparent city inspection that was conducted. GO figure
Hi Tom, just came across your post, I have the same issue as you do. Just wondering if you have solved this problem yet? If you did, can you share experience?