Converting a 2-family into 3-family

[Hady Farag]

Hey BP community,

I just recently purchased a 2 family in Newark & I am looking at options to convert it into a 3 family. The property is located in R4 zoning and the house next door is a legal 3 family with a similar build as mine. It seems as if they managed to convert the ground level into a legal unit (2 bedroom 1 bathroom). The only difference is that the house already has fire exit stair cases in the back and it's on an oversized lot.

 The ground level unit on my property already has the following;
- ready means of egress through two accessible doors 

- fireproof partition / wall completely separating any boiler or furnace unit.

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in this? Or can recommend an architect or engineer in the Newark/Essex County area familiar with the code. Based on what I've read, it seems like I would need an architects approval  before doing anything.