Extension Width

Hi, I recently closed on a small, narrow, two-story frame house in South Slope and am working with an architect to design plans. There is an existing (original, I believe) extension in the rear which runs approximately 3/4 of the width of the lot. My thoughts were to expand this to the full width to maximize interior space, but the architect just sent me this note: “We cannot go full width on the extension because the building wall on the adjacent property at that side is set back from the property line approx 3′-6″ +/- and therefore zoning requires an eight foot distance between building walls when this condition is present. The building wall on the opposite property abuts the property line and therefore we may also abut the property line at that side. ” I’ve attached a quick sketch of the properties. The red box is what I was hoping to accomplish. I knew there may be limitations with the extension related to lot coverage, light requirements, etc., but this confuses me. Why would the neighbors choice of where their extension was built limit my ability to go to the property line? Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks

storm

in Zoning 10 years and 3 months ago

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Putnamdenizen | 10 years and 3 months ago

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Hmm. Your neighbors extension could not have been built under current rules. And perhaps neither could yours (is your current side court + 8 feet?). Perhaps just as many of us benefit from grandfathered-in non-conforming structures, so too may we be negatively impacted by non-conforming structures of our neighbors. Sounds like your new addition would aggravate the non-conforming situation next door, even if it would eliminate a potentially non-conforming side court on your property. I had a similar run-in with DOB where they would not let me “aggravate” an existing non-conforming side-court by adding an additional story on my extension. One random, unlikely solution, BOTH you and your neighbor eliminate your non-confroming side courts with new construction? Of course you have to be careful not to create windowless spaces inside the newly enlarged structures.