My Condo Neighbor Has Gas! (Natural Gas, that is)

T.B. from Fairfield County, Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

The condo complex I live in has 14 units. All heat, water and appliances are electric. One buyer moved in and wants to have a gas stove. There is gas on the street. Is this permitted with condos to allow one unit to have gas when the others don’t?

Mister Condo replies:

T.B., while it would be unusual, I wouldn’t say it is impermissible. I assume that this owner has petitioned the Board to seek this change and the Board has granted the change. The change allowed for one unit should be allowed for all, provided the other unit owners follow the same process of petitioning the Board for whatever change is necessary to make the conversion from electric to gas possible. In fact, the Board would be wise to explain the process to all owners as I am sure the gas company would do a more efficient job of delivering gas by connecting all or most of the units at the same time. That being said, if the gas utility company needs to tear up common ground to provide the gas service, I would think the Board had best think twice before allowing the initial installation. Best wishes!