Lot Line Windows May Be Blocked

Updated originally posted: July 20, 2014 

732 West End Avenue Adjacent 736 West End Avenue lot line windows sealed off Q: What are lot line windows?  732 West End Avenue Adjacent 736 West End Avenue lot line windows

A:  "A lot line window” is a window that is built on a side of a building that shares a boundary line with a neighboring property.  If the adjacent building is built up to or higher than this window, then the lot line window will likely need to be sealed off.  For this reason, lot line windows are not counted towards light and ventilation requirements.  In condominiums and cooperatives, the offering plan will generally indicate whether there are any lot line windows in the building, and if so, which apartments may be adversely affected by the lot line windows. Review Offering Plan, "Special Risks" section to determine if Lot Line windows are present. If a building has lot line windows, it can be very difficult to determine the probability of whether the lot line windows will actually be sealed off.  Signs indicating that an adjacent property may be developed (i.e. vacant, adjoining lots or a rental building) could increase the probability that a lot line window may be sealed off.  An architect or attorney who specializes in zoning and land use should be consulted. When you buy or rent an apartment with a lot-line window, it should be with the understanding that the windows may be blocked changing the room's light and view. Once a new adjacent building goes up, your building's lot line windows will be required to seal the lot line windows in compliance with building and fire codes.