Michael McCann architect with McCann-craft, Inc.Legalization of 3rd floors

Homes with 3rd floors looking to make them into habitable space need special consideration. Generally, a sprinkler system is required plus code compliant emergency egress window. If you are going to finish a 3rd floor space, you need to fulfill the sprinkler system and emergency egress requirements before you can obtain a C.O.

If your 3rd floor was finished without a building permit, this improvement must be legalized before a Certificate of Occupancy (sometimes called a Certificate of Compliance) will be issued by the town. This requirement in under the Residential Code of New York State.