windowless living room

I don't think there's any code requiring windows in "living" rooms -- only bedrooms.

Why would you want to live in such a place anyway?

There called media rooms not living rooms.
In other parts of the world they are called basements, caves, solitary confinement, and dark rooms.
I would love a media room.

Unless something has changed (and with this mayor anything is possible) a room is not a countable room if it doesn't have a window.

In other parts of the world, people with "media rooms" have them in addition to living rooms. With windows.

NYCMatt
30 minutes ago
ignore this person
report abuse In other parts of the world, people with "media rooms" have them in addition to living rooms. With windows.

what do you have matt? how many rooms? in harlem, right?

falcogold1, unless the building is a high rise, it is simply not possible for every room to have a window...

Nimtzk,.are you retarded? Completely incorrect.

It doesn't count as habitable space unless there is a window.
To be a room, it needs a floor, a ceiling, a door and at least one window.
Where do you see all these living rooms without windows?

Nintzk:

http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/LAWSSEAF.cgi?QUERYDATA=@LLADC0T27C2SC3A1

Assuming your building is a converted dwelling:

http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/LAWSSEAF.cgi?QUERYTYPE=LAWS+&QUERYDATA=$$ADC27-2059$$@TXADC027-2059+&LIST=LAW+&BROWSER=+&TOKEN=22376874+&TARGET=VIEW

If a building has a building to the left and to the right that means there are only windows in the front and back. There are buildings like this on every block. So unless you just have a hallway connecting the front room to the back home, some room in the middle of the floor doesn't have a window.

*back room

columbiacounty went to see an apartment with a window in the shower. Imagine, a window in the shower, yet you have a living room with no window!

To count as a living room, yes, you need a window. And you can't subdivide in a way that violates the ventilation (window) requirement.

But then it's NOT a living room or a countable room.

Yes, townhouses/rowhouses have (generally) windows only on the front and back. But that means that the space in the middle is not technically a room. Of course, you can put a couch in that space and use it as living space. Still doesn't make it a living room.

I think the question you are really asking is whether you can create a windowless space. I think you can, but you can't call it a living room, by code. The other issue is whether by subdividing a room with a window, if you are now violating another section of the code.

thanks NYC10023

Look, I know what you want to do. Do it, but don't call that space a living room.

right...i mean i have been in million dollar town homes where people have gigantic dining rooms in the center without windows...so clearly some room is allowed even if there isn't a window.

what is the definition of "living room" anyway? any code section give the definition?

Based on building code all habitable rooms (living room is considered habitable room) shall be provided with natural light and ventilation, which are usually provided by windows. Yes, there are some living rooms in old apartments have no windows which are not up to code.

There is an exception provided in the code for "noncomplying" rooms.

Living rooms - look at article 4. 27-2074 & 2075.

Those center dining rooms or libraries or whatever have big openings to windowed living rooms at each end.

In your house you can have a deep living room at each end, with kitchens and baths and closets in the middle. The kitchens and baths have to have exhaust vents to the roof.

So, two one-bedroom apartments per floor.

It's possible to find some skeevy contractor who won't worry about permits. So if you want to build a squat or an old-law tenement museum, go ahead. You'd be better off in the long run to get yourself an architect, though.

thanks i'll take a look at those sections

NWT...that gets to my original question...If you have big glass doors between a bedroom and living room which makes it possible to see the window from the living room, is that acceptable?

It's a noncomplying room, according to code, and you have to check to see whether that it needs to meet the other room requirements as to size.

oh ok...i get it now..thanks a lot

"If you have big glass doors between a bedroom and living room which makes it possible to see the window from the living room, is that acceptable?"

Of course it's "acceptable".

But don't kid yourself (or others) into thinking it's a "living room"; it's a hallway with furniture in it.

I guess the question is acceptable to whom?
Renters will pay a premium for a 2-room studio over a regular studio. As far as the DOB is concerned, it's still a studio, with a potentially illegal wall. The city doesn't send inspectors, so you won't get caught unless there is a problem like a fire that gets firefighters in, and somebody gets hurt, or in the context of a landlord-tenant dispute.

if you are flexing a unit--- get a Kvartel from IKEA! Its way cheaper then a full wall and prettier! .... on the flipside, you can hear whoevers living behind the curtain......
...... soooo live with a good friend or roommate who's never home..... or doesnt have "guests" over lol