TenantNet Forum

Where tenants can seek help and help others



Neighboring roof turned into balcony 6 ft from my window

Relating to Department of Buildings, Development and Zoning

Moderator: TenantNet

Neighboring roof turned into balcony 6 ft from my window

Postby alh22211 » Sun May 20, 2012 7:11 pm

Hi-

The building neighboring mine has a small roof area (not decked in, about 1.5ft high walls) on top of a portion of its first floor. The tenants there have recently been using it as a balcony and hosting parties, storing bicycles and dilapidated furniture, as well as using it as a wood shop. The area is about five maximum (the width of a small alley) from the windows of my apartment. Is this legal for them to be using the roof this way? It seems too close to my building as well as an unsafe place to be.

Thank you!
alh22211
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 7:06 pm
Location: United States

Postby TenantNet » Sun May 20, 2012 7:46 pm

I would first try talking to them - if you don't feel too uncomfortable about that.

You could shine lights at them making them uncomfortable, or playing some horrible music. But that might escalate things.

Look at the Building Code. If I remember, roof areas used for recreational activities must have a wall (or parapet or whatever) that is 39 inches tall. There might be other issues as well. Try 311. Get an inspector over.

I'd also call your local community board.
The Tenant Network(tm) for Residential Tenants
Information from TenantNet is from experienced non-attorney tenant
activists and is not considered legal advice.

Subscribe to our Twitter Feed @TenantNet
TenantNet
 
Posts: 10299
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2002 2:01 am
Location: New York City


Return to Building Dept/Zoning Issues - NYC

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest