How do you challenge a DOB construction permit?

Does anyone have experience filing a challenge with the DOB to contest a proposed construction project?  Our neighbors want to build a big addition on the back of their place that would loom over our house.  We’re not sure it’s even legal, but the DOB has approved the plans and we’d like to contact a lawyer, if needed, to try and stop this thing.  Any advice, experience, lawyer recs would be appreciated.

Thanks!!
Rachel

rbenoff

in Building Code 13 years and 5 months ago

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Mads54 | 13 years and 4 months ago

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It might behoove you and/or your neighbors to hire an attorney.  Sadly, I don’t know of any skilled in this area -years ago I did, but not now.  You could call the Bar to ask for a recommendation.

Mads54 | 13 years and 4 months ago

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I am a bit rusty on the history of self-certification  but I believe said rules came about to stream line requests to the DOB-this was many years ago.  As in many things, this stream lining brought about many improper requests and approvals-ergo, the audit process.  To my knowledge, there is no deadline in which to request an audit particularly where it might concern a conflict of zoning laws or involve safety issues.

Mads54 | 13 years and 4 months ago

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Often, plans are self-certified by the filer and are approved unless challanged.  You may request the plans from DOB -it often helps if you have your Community Board behind you in this-in requesting the plans – but you may also do so yourself.

Mads54 | 13 years and 4 months ago

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In my opinion and experience-you may request an audit from DOB.  Often permits are “approved” but are not legal so to speak.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 5 months ago

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It is where the professional states to the DOB that the work is to code. I have taken over projects that were outright lies. It goes unnoticed unless DOB audits the project.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 5 months ago

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There is a one month challenge period, but if it is approved than that is over so unless a mistake was made they are good to go. Was it a pro cert project?

masterbuilder | 13 years and 5 months ago

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If the plans are approved it is legal.  They own the lot and whatever zoning allows for, they can do.