All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

A zoning map will give the zoning district but that's about all in relation to a new driveway. You'd have to search the NYC Zoning Ordinances for specific information on off-street parking for the specific district the lot is located in.

It's a fully digitized system found here: https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/

You just have to type in your address. It populates various info for lot and district. However if you do not know what to look for or how to read the various sections and information, it may prove not as helpful as you'd like. It's a tool to gather information not to generate answers to the questions you posed. 

 Not sure how a survey company would be helpful in her circumstance. 

Hello @Anna Cerda

I run a local architecture firm that services NY including NYC. I am licensed in NY & CT. You have two things going on which each would need different services for. 

1. The CO doesn't typically mention parking unless it is directly within the structure itself such as a garage/garages (or for a parking structure). My question would be why are you trying to add this parking? Is this for tenants? It may be possible but weighs heavily on the zoning district and how the lot is laid out with the current building. 

2. Yes, the ADU Codes are set to take effect later this year. I have reviewed this code thoroughly and there are many parameters which must be adhered to for compliance. A review of adding an ADU vs completing a conversion is typically the best starting point to see if either is a better option.

Please feel free to reach out to me here or email me to talk more details. Thanks!   

Hello Joe, welcome. We work projects in the same areas. Nice to see another local on here. All the best in your endeavors.  

Hello Ryan, Welcome, from a fellow Westchester County resident. 

I work on projects in NYC and Westchester presently. All the best in your REI searches.

This is incorrect. It will be the same cost to modify an internet plan you found as though I came up with it from scratch. I have to assess the building codes and modify it anyway, which can be more time consuming than working from scratch. Despite what most think, this does not lessen the cost of architect/design services. 

Sounds like a draftsman/designer. Licensed Architects don't charge based on a price per square foot. I won't quote this since the Northeast is a very different animal than Texas.

You best check to see what is required by the Building Dept. as far as documents and what seals, and then work from there. Going with the cheapest options usually doesn't work out the way you figure. They're super cheap for a reason. Lack of experience, slow turn around, etc. You don't know what you don't know. 

Having an Architect on board to guide you through the process can be invaluable and save you cost, frustration and trial/errors situations. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish.   

Welcome! 

Welcome from a fellow Architect.