ECB Violations -- Gas Line and Horizontal Balusters; SEP unit in Queens

Greetings. We had an inspection on a self-certified type 2 alteration last week and have two issues that I’d appreciate advice on. First, the easy one. My GC installed our deck (off the parlor floor) and stair balusters horizontally rather than vertically, contrary to our plan. The inspector said that these are getting approved in Brooklyn so they might get approved. Has anyone had horizontal balusters on an outside deck/stair approved in Brooklyn? Are there any fixes apart from replacement with vertical balusters — I’m thinking plexiglass panels? I’d appreciate any tips on how to fix and referrals for such a fix. Second, more complicated. We added a gas line for a grill (sits on the deck) and the gas line was not on the approved plan. We discussed amending the plan before the plumbing inspection but decided to wait to see if any other issues came up. We passed the plumbing inspection by virtue of the inspector not showing up and then forgot to file the amendment. The plumbing job has been signed off. I am trying to decide whether we have the plumber file an LAA to legalize the gas line. My concern is whether doing that is going to result in a full blown plumbing inspection which will be a problem because the walls are all closed up. The other alternative is to remove the gas line and show pictures proving the same. If this is the recommended route, do we still need to file an LAA/get a permit to do the removal? We would rather keep the gas line, obviously. Our review is with the SEP unit in Queens. Any intel on this group would be appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

karenanne9

in Building Code 11 years and 6 months ago

3

Please log in, in order to post replies!

3 replies

Newest Oldest

daveinbedstuy | 11 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4897 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4870 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

“The inspector said that these are getting approved in Brooklyn so they might get approved.” This is a perfect example of the ineptness of the DOB. Either they meet code or do not. “Might” is just ridiculous in this sort of context. But this is DOB world, a nether region of illogical, inconsistent crap.

karenanne9 | 11 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4896 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4895 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176937"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "karenanne9"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BwLycN1FoAB2rZOdRgiz9CXguaek851"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "karenanne9"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "knewirth@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/karenanne9/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:39"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "karenanne9"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176937)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Jim, Thanks so much for your reassurance. It makes me feel a bit better. We are going to file the LAA to legalize the gas line and hope they don’t make us open the walls (everything is fine, I just don’t want to take down walls). Best, Karen

dazednconfused2 | 11 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4892 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4898 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209624"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BghKLTB3pwiNsI5BhQ/fSb/bBQWxiL0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "un.perceived@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-07-04 18:01:21"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209624)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We’re finishing up a ground-up construction of a new home in Clinton Hill, and just had the construction inspection. We have horizontal balusters on the deck as well as the interior stairs, and received no comments on those at all. In fact, I was actually amazed to see that on a 5,000 sq ft new home, we only received 5 comments, all of which can be resolved with some paperwork. I guess we did a good job. As for the SEP unit, we’ve worked with them a couple of times. They randomly audited a professional certification job we did in Brooklyn, inspected the plans and the site, and passed it without a single comment. We also took over a job filed by another architect, and which was already in SEP review, and were pleased to find that the unit was thorough, but understanding, and reasonable to work with. It’s a relatively small unit, so you get some more personal attention. As for the gas line, if your application is in SEP review, they may perform their own inspection, at which point they’ll see that gas line, so you may want to get that LAA. They’re very easy and quick to get. Good luck with the review, and try not to worry about it too much. Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP Urban Pioneering Architecture