Town of Smithtown - anyone add a 1st floor extension?

Now that the patio is done, I'm thinking about the next major home improvement.

We need to add a 3rd bedroom. We wanted to build up but the cinder-block basement might not be able to handle the weight. We won't know until someone can tell us what our footings look like. Not to mention losing the 1st floor space to a staircase.

The front line of our house is 49 feet from the front of our property. We'd like to add a smallish room, maybe 10x10 or 10x15 to the front. Depending on cost, excavate underneath and put in a staircase to our unfinished basement. Right now, we have to walk outside to get into it.

My first thought is of all the town codes and rules and whatnot so I was wondering if anyone else here lives in the Town of Smithtown, has extended their house on the 1st floor, and what their experience was?

Thanks in advance ladies.

Re: Town of Smithtown - anyone add a 1st floor extension?

all I know is that from looking at the website...you need a permit to mow your own lawn in Smithtown. We technically need a permit to do remodel our kitchen...we live in smithtown

Re: Town of Smithtown - anyone add a 1st floor extension?

It's crazy, right? When I called them to find out about dumpster rules, they asked me all kinds of questions about what I was doing. And informed me that I needed to pay them to remove my deck.

None of my neighbors have expanded out, only up, so they can't really share their experience either.

I guess I have to bite the bullet and see if I can find something in the town code or just call them. They're just so mean when I call.

Re: Town of Smithtown - anyone add a 1st floor extension?

First you have to find out what Residential zone you're in. You can do that by calling the building department and giving them your address. Once you find out the zoning district they will be able to tell you what your front yard set back is.
For example, if your zoning requirement is 30 feet of front yard set back, then you can build up to 19' of the 49' feet you have. A good rule of thumb is to look at your neighbors house. Your house should be in line with theirs.

There are other requirements such as side yard set backs and Floor Area Ratio. Also, adding a new bedroom will also require you to file with the Department of Health. You can have up to 4 bedrooms with an approve ceptic system so adding a 3rd one should not be a problem but you might have to get the existing system approved. Do you know where your cesspool is? Typically, they are in the front yard. Just make sure there is no conflict with where you want to do the addition.

Message edited 6/11/2009 1:05:51 PM.

Re: Town of Smithtown - anyone add a 1st floor extension?

Wow, thanks! Yes, I have seen people do what we want to do with the house, on corner lots like ours even. But I have learned that it isn't so reliable - there are a few houses with a 6 foot fence very close to the street but they wouldn't let me do it.

To answer your question, we know exactly where the cesspool is because we installed it. When the question came about the size, we went double what we needed, anticipating the addition to the house. I didn't want the next homeowners having issues like we did.

Now that you mention the setback, when I called about our fence, it was 25 feet. I don't know if they have different setbacks for fences, building structures, etc. But even if it was 25 feet, that still gives us enough space for a good sized room.

Thank you for your help!

Re: Town of Smithtown - anyone add a 1st floor extension?

Tricia.. you don't need to add a bedroom for me. I'll still visit you!