Non-Conforming and Non-Complying in NYC
Hamoun Niknejad2026-04-01T04:29:32+00:00When you start any project like renovation, enlargement, legalization, or a change of use project, zoning can be the most complicated part of it. Many owners assume that if a building has existed for years, it’s confirmation to have it the same as before, even after alteration or modification.There are two zoning terminologies, non-conforming and non-complying, that you need to be aware of before starting any project, especially in New York City. They sound similar, and people sometimes use them...
New York City Occupancy Group
Hamoun Niknejad2026-04-01T15:27:33+00:00When people talk about New York City building rules, one of the terms that comes up often is occupancy group classification. This is a basic but very important part of the NYC Building Code because it helps determine how a building or space is classified based on its main use.In simple words, the NYC Department of Buildings uses occupancy groups to organize buildings and interior spaces according to how they function. That classification affects many parts of a project, including...
What is a kitchenette vs kitchen?
Hamoun Niknejad2026-03-12T20:38:51+00:00If you’ve ever looked at a NYC listing and thought, “Wait… what’s the difference between a kitchen and a kitchenette?” — you’re not alone. Real estate ads throw these words around like they mean the same thing. And sometimes, even on drawings, people label a space “kitchen” when it’s really closer to a kitchenette.But when you’re renovating, filing with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), or developing small apartments, the wording and the layout can matter. Not because
NYC Door, Safety and Building Code
Hamoun Niknejad2026-03-12T01:20:30+00:00Most owners don’t think about doors until something goes wrong.A tenant complains that the entry door won’t close. An inspector flags a stair door. A contractor installs new hardware, and suddenly, the fire-rated door doesn’t latch. Or you’re near the end of a renovation, and the final inspection turns into a checklist of “door issues.”In New York City, doors are not just architectural details. They’re part of how a building stays safe and code-compliant. Doors affect:means of egress (how people...