Even during the brutal Northeast winter, outdoor spaces are still prized—and used—by New Yorkers. Whether you’re a building owner, a property manager, or one of the lucky few who have access to a garden, balcony or roof deck, the following tips will help you, or your tenants, make the most of the outdoors in the wintry months ahead:

• Built-in fireplaces must be piped in with gas. Due to fire codes, propane or any other non-gas sources cannot be used in fireplaces. Installing these cold-weather luxuries also requires filing applications with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), but the investment can pay off when competing for buyers or renters.
• Stay on top of fall/winter repairs and maintenance. Whether fixing the roof, attending to building leaks or other structural distress, replacing snow guards, or cleaning gutters, all fixtures must comply with current DOB codes. In addition, building owners and property managers need to stay on top of snow and ice removal to avoid violations.
• When not in use, patio furniture should be removed and put in storage to prevent winter damage. Another option is to install weather-proof seating, covering it with heavy-duty protection, so it will be ready for use whenever conditions are favorable.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, or if you have some tips that we’ve missed, please contact us.