moving entry door

I recently purchased a condo in a 1920s era building. The original interior design of the unit limits the swing of door to about 60 degrees. This is problematic for all sorts of reasons...moving furniture in and out, getting groceries in and out, and inviting over any guests who are 'of size'. But more importantly, I feel this is a dangerous condition in the event of a fire or earthquake or other emergency. I need to have clear, unobstructed egress in the event of an emergency.

I made a request to the HOA that I be allowed to move my door about 6' (at my own expense, and with the review of a structural engineer). My request was denied due to the historic character of the building.

The property manager mentioned in the email that other tenants have adjusted the interior layout of their units in order to remedy the situation...knocking down walls and repairing the ripple effects that change causes in the electrical work, flooring, ceiling, etc. However, I suspect that would end up costing me a lot more in the end.

I don't know what my rights are in this case, but I do feel like I should be able to secure a safe egress from the apartment without the undue burden and expense of a major interior renovation. I would love to hear your expert opinions on this as I decide what to do.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

So after almost 100 years you're the special snowflake that the longstanding rules should not apply to? If it was really "dangerous" then someone else would have figured that out by now.

Melissa,

Safe ingress and egress is one thing.
Problems moving furniture in and out of the property is another.
I suspect you have safe ingress and egress.

Living near Washington D.C., I am familiar with historical character of buildings and the fix is typically to leave the outside alone and rebuild within.

Your rights would be specified within your governing documents.
My understanding of condominiums is that typically the member controls from the exterior walls drywall inwards and the Association controls from the exterior walls drywall outwards. You will need to read your governing documents to determine if this is applicable to your condominium or not.