It seems as though the public outcry over the countless examples of architect and contractor corner-cutting is finally having some impact over at the Department of Buildings. According to this week’s newsletter, the DOB will try to pay a little more attention to the designs submitted under the self-certification plan:

On September 5th, a pilot audit program will launch in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx Borough Offices that requires a review of all New Building and Alteration Type 1 (Alt 1) applications submitted under the Professional Certification Program. The initial review will work to identify potential zoning problems prior to the issuance of permits and to continue our efforts to ensure compliant development. The program has been active in Staten Island since May 15, 2006.

Points of focus for the review, which is expected to take no more than two days, will include open space and floor area calculations as well as height and setback requirements. DOB will aim to do a little better than the IRS, shooting to audit 20% of self-certified applications within the first 10 days of permit issuance.
Pilot Zoning Review for Self-Certified Apps [DOB]