B.S. from Henrico County, Virginia writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
How are new appliances to be vented to outside if no external vents exist?
Mister Condo replies:
B.S., welcome to the world of architectural compliance. New appliances cannot be vented to the outside if no external vents exist. That is, unless the Board of the condominium agrees to allow an external building modification. You need to petition the Board (usually a letter will do but there may be a specific form you’ll need) and ask if you can have the required ventilation installed (at your expense to install and maintain in perpetuity). It is quite common for the Board to refuse such modification because they don’t want the liability or damage to the building exterior and the lack of conformity such a ventilation system can cause. Many condo owners are disappointed when they cannot modify their building exteriors to accommodate a new appliance or fireplace but the reality is that as a condo owner, you simply do not own the exterior of your building. You need to ask permission. If granted, you’re good to go. If not, you will need to choose a new appliance that does not require venting to the exterior. Good luck!