Closing a Violation

I recently received a post card from the DOB asking to close an open violation from 2008 on our two-family-house in Brooklyn. The violation was issued for the 1st floor and sub-basement apartment being divided into 5 rooms with remedy to restore. The house was newly renovated when we bought it in 2016 and reconfigurated as a 2-family. The above mentioned violation on file is written off and there is no balance due. I don’t remember why it was not closed during our closing on the property. I did as proposed in the DOB’s postcard, filed an affidavid that 1st floor apartment was restored, added the permits, and added photographs. The DOB disapproved and asked for a labeling of the images and a missing date on one of the forms to approve. What is my best way now to proceed. Resubmit what the DOB asked or involve an expediter or lawyer?

michaelsaur67

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 1 month ago

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cate | 1 month ago

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There are firms in NYC who specialize in clearing violations. They are very affordable. We paid $300 to one to clear up an issue incorrectly attached to our home instead of a neighbor’s, which involved attending a hearing and handling other paperwork. We were thrilled. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend specific firms because I work for Brownstoner. If you search “asbestos” or “violation” on this Forum you may find some recommendations. Good luck.

Brownstone Home Inspection | 1 month ago

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it does not sound like they are going to penalize you for anything (or at least any further) for this at this point if it gets denied again. have faith in yourself and do this again. and again until you get it.

i have been running my own businesses for years and do it all myself. After a while of dealing with these agencies, you begin to realize that no matter who they are (the irs, state tax dept, sales tax dept, dob, landmarks, parking violations, consumer affairs, nys dec, fdny, secretary of state’s office, city dept of finance) they are all staffed by the same kinds of paper pushers and they all have the same nonsense they make you go through to justify their positions and, magically, when each employee works as a collective unit, the entire agency begins to appear more incompetent than the individual parts (save for the FDNY and Landmarks; they are the only competent well-meaning agencies).

with many agencies, if you leave a line blank, it will get sent back.

.