What is a certificate of occupancy?
When a house is built, it is subject to certain inspections by the town or local building department to make sure it is fit for human habitation. Once all the required paperwork is in and the inspections passed, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Over the years many homeowners decided to improve their properties by adding something like a deck or garage. These structures require permits, inspections and C/O's just like a new house would. Failure to obtain the proper permits leads to problems down the road, particularly when the owner wishes to sell his home.
Most structures can be legalized however the improvement must comply with today's codes. If the Homeowner applies for the property Certificates after the work has been done, he runs into the danger of having the building department require a variance, which is costly, or demanding that the addition be removed if a variance cannot be obtained.
Many Sellers today find themselves in a position of having to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for part of the home that was there when they bought the house. This is because banks did not require a Certificate of Occupancy years ago, so an Owner may have purchased a house in 1970, thought it conformed to the code, and now, when he attempts to sell, discovers that he is missing the required Certificate. He must obtain it.
Long Island Expeditors helps home-owners in the process by preparing all the documentation filing with the local building departments. Promptness and accurate turn-around time are our objectives.
What is a site plan?
A site plan is drawing of your property showing all the structures and setbacks from the property lines. Site plans are required for building permit applications. It is similar to a survey which is also required for all applications.
What is a radius Map?
A radius map is a map of the neighborhood showing property lines and owners
information. Radius maps are required for variance
hearings. It is the way to notify the surrounding
neighbors and show characteristics of the neighborhood.
They are prepared by researching the county Tax-Maps
and public records.
What are construction drawings?
Construction drawings are the plans. Similar to what an architect prepares for a new house, the construction drawings show the structure, materials, size, windows, doors, etc.
|
