Fence height on retaining wall?


Hi… this a is a slight follow-up to an earlier post… I know the fence height cannot exceed 6′ without a permit.

The fence I have is 6′ but sits atop a retaining wall that is a foot wide and 2 feet high at one end (the end that meets @ the sidewalk).

So the total height of the “fence” (in the front) is roughly 8′. There’s a DOB violation on it, but I’m not sure if I can use this as a defense.
Any thoughts?

Categories: DOB
By jovina | 01/25/2011 5:10 PM | Comment

(Another) Fence Height Question


Hi, I have a new fence that runs along my driveway and is at the edge of my property. The front of the driveway, the area that meets the sidewalk, is at an incline. The fence, which my neighbor said was not an issue, has a level concrete foundation. So the fence plus the foundation is around 8 feet tall in the front, but a normal 6 feet at the rear.

There is now a complaint/violation from the city regarding the height. Is there any exemption around this height issue? Some neighbors have similar fences way over 8 feet tall, I’m not sure why they are allowed to this.

Thanks for any info!

Categories: DOB
By jovina | 01/01/2011 10:20 AM | Comment

Architect Fired, Big Mess


Hi, I have an apartment conversion started last year. things went bad and the GC and architect were fired. One of the things they did was file an Alt 2, not an Alt 1. I have a new GC and architect, plus new permits for an Alt 1. However, there is now an audit for the Alt 2 and the previous architect is nowhere to be found. The new plan specifically supersedes the old one, but what kind of mess am I dealing with?

Categories: DOB
By jovina | 09/15/2009 9:43 AM | Comment

cancel contract? (home improv..)


Hi all, I am having an issue with a licensed contractor (job was stopped in progress), and we might be headed to administrative court with the DCA. Is it necessary to send a letter to the contractor stating that I am canceling the contract? Do I relinquish any future legal rights if this goes to civil court instead of the DCA?

Categories: Renovation
By jovina | 04/24/2009 1:48 PM | Comment