Posted by Nate(DC) on December 20, 2002 at 13:48:38:
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Check with zoning - it may or may not be allowable
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If it is allowable, the zoning people will know what steps need to be taken in your area to make it legal.
NT
converting a SFR to a two Units residence - Posted by Phong
Posted by Phong on December 20, 2002 at 13:12:30:
I have a SFR in a residential area. It is a 1 story house with basement. We remodeled the basement so now it has its own separate kitchen and such. I would like to know whether it?s possible to turn the basement into a completely separate unit with its own electric meter and water meter. Would anybody know how to go about doing this or whether it?s possible at all?
I wouldn’t bother - Posted by Frank Chin
Posted by Frank Chin on December 21, 2002 at 14:35:27:
Hi Phong:
Legalizing a basement apartment is extremely difficult for a number of reasons:
1- Here is NYC, they require at least two exits to meet fire code.
2- They will not legalize them in suburban 1 family zones.
3- In areas where it could be considered, a public hearing for a variance is required and neighbors notified. They will come to the hearing to complain about traffic and parking in the neighborhood.
4. If you didn’t obtain permits to do the kitchen and bathroom first, and try to legalize it, zoning may make you take it out.
Here’s a suggestion
The Wall Street Journal did an article about a NEW TREND in housing where Renters and Buyers are looking for housing with additional suites for in-laws, aging parents, grown children, and operating home based businesses.
I currently rent a basement apartment in a 2FH to a WEB designer who live in a separate apartment upstairs. I also have a SFH (extended ranch) with a 2nd unit on one end. I have folks renting the place precisely because it has a separate unit.
You can rent the additional unit this way without raising a fuss with the neighbors and the zoning board.
Frank Chin