November 18, 2009

Question about DOB Violation

My neighbor to the left of my driveway has an DOB violation that was opened earlier this month for illegal construction. This guy somehow managed to build a 20x 25 1 story structure in his backyard, which is about 2 feet from property line and my driveway.

I personally see his structure as an eye sore, and I would like it to be taken down. As someone having interest in the outcome of this situation, do I contact DOB to address my concern, and make them know that I don't want that near my driveway? Also, I consider his structure to be a fire hazard.

While I'm not trying to be a pain in the ass neighbor, I do need to protect my interest. if you don't who will, know what I mean?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Any though

November 17, 2009

DOB Audit

Hi All,

We were in the process of getting our COO. (new construction) We passed final construction inspection , plumbing, etc. For the past few months we were in the proccess of filing for our COO. Low and behold we get a stop work order (even though the house is done). They audited the plans and have a few objections on the plans. My specific question is after we fix the objections on the plans, will there be a re-inspection of the house? The house already gained a FINAL construction signoff. Any help appreciated.

Tx,
Rog

November 4, 2009

DOB Regulations Query

Planning on changing from a 2-family triplex + garden apt to a 3-family, with two 1-bedroom apts on two top floors of a fairly narrow (16-foot-wide interior) 110-year-old brownstone. I’m unclear about width requirements for the apartment entry doors (i.e., entering from the common stair hallway). The doors are now 30 inches, and we plan on a 33-inch interior hallway. Will this be sufficient or must they be 34-inch doors and 36-inch interior hallways? Any enlightenment or direction to the code would be welcome.

October 8, 2009

DOB Electrical Inspection

We hired this electrician to install outlets in our basement. All the work is done, we are just waiting for the DOB inspection. He told us 3 weeks ago that it normally takes 3-4 weeks for the DOB to inspect. So our date is suppose to be set for next week...I just found out now that he DOB called him to reschedule it for the week after. Is this normal that it takes DOB this long to do an inspection? and also for them to just reschedule it?

September 30, 2009

Permit for new garage doors?

Will soon need to replace both doors on our detached 2 car garage in a landmarked Park Slope neighborhood. They are damaged and unsightly. Does anyone know if permits, or anything similar must be filed for such a replacement? I briefly looked around the DOB website, but was having trouble finding any info on this subject. Thanks in advance for any insight.

September 24, 2009

Tax Lot Divisions

I am looking for help on dividing a tax lot in Brooklyn from one to two lots. Has anyone been through the process at the Brooklyn DOB? What sort of paperwork/drawings do they ask for? Advice is appreciated. Thanks

September 22, 2009

Help! Legality of Extension

My neighbor is building a 5-story, full width, 9' deep extension. That is within their FAR and permissible as far as I can tell. They are also building a "greenhouse" or glass structure, full width, 5 feet deep.

Can someone point me to the section of NYC building code that governs this greenhouse?

I want to know specifically:
1) The side of the greenhouse adjoining my property is solid concrete block - is this allowed?
2) They are building this greenhouse about 1.5 ft above the height of their garden floor (which pushes up the height of the concrete block wall on the 1st flr) - is this permissible?

Thanks!

September 15, 2009

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?

September 8, 2009

Messy DOB Situation with Ext.

I have been putting this off for too long, but now feel like I need to bite the bullet and deal so I thought I'd come to the experts for advice...

When we bought our ramshackle house (naive first-time buyers), there were no plans on file at DOB and the inspector did not flag that the extension was done illegally. Now it seems obvious, but we had no idea at the time.
Halfway into the job, our contractor/architect pair hipped us to the problem and said that DOB would probably make us knock it down. They did a gut reno using plans that did not show the extension and advised us that this would be an issue if we ever wanted to sell (which we don't). We have not yet closed out the work order at DOB
When I asked the architect recently how much it would cost for him to revise the plans for submission to DOB, he quoted $12K! Now I'm feeling 100% stuck and also unclear on the implications re: a fine from DOB at some point or even the likelihood of a plan revision getting through.
Can anyone suggest a plan of action here? (Oh yeah, we can't refi our mortgage with an open work order, too.)
Thank you.

August 13, 2009

Outdoor Fireplaces?

Does anyone know what if any building code issues are involved with building an outdoor fireplace?

Forum: DOB