From the Forum: Should I Report My Neighbor for Doing Construction Without Permits?
A Brownstoner reader’s neighbor seems to be undertaking a project without having filed permits with the Department of Buildings. Freckles writes: My neighbor has put in huge concrete footings — apparently intending to build an addition that looks like it will extend far back into the yard. Checking DOB there are no permits. Is it…
A Brownstoner reader’s neighbor seems to be undertaking a project without having filed permits with the Department of Buildings.
Freckles writes:
My neighbor has put in huge concrete footings — apparently intending to build an addition that looks like it will extend far back into the yard. Checking DOB there are no permits. Is it true that code requires 30 ft from structure to back of lot (R5 zoning)? The structure that seems intended will diminish my back yard views and privacy. Should I confront my neighbor? Or report to 311? Either way I’m afraid that this will ruin any hope of a cordial relationship with the neighbor. (I am new to the house/neighborhood). Any advice?
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Just because you can’t find evidence of permits does not mean that they do not exist. Especially when they involve utility companies doing work to finish jobs, coned won’t even bother to show up until work has been approved and inspected by the city. But if all you did was visit nyc dob.gov you never would have found permits listed for jobs I had done. I’m not entirely sure why, best guess is that it’s filed under the contractors name and lic number.
You’d just be better off asking your neighbor, quit being a wimp.
Definitely report. I believe this can even be done anonymously. While there are light and privacy concerns, worse in my view could be off-permit electrical or plumbing which will DEFINITELY become your problem if something should go wrong, as this is an adjoining structure. This is a safety issue for you.
Why don’t people just mind their business. If it isn’t a house being renovated by a flipper, leave it alone. The permit game is a scam in NYC anyway.
And then if they go through the process, get a permit and build said structure which can clearly happen. Pissed off neighbor and you are new to the neighborhood. It’s NYC, close quarters, they can build a 8 story building with permits that blocks light. If you want privacy and light move somewhere where it’s guaranteed to get that.