NYC Buildings DOB NOTICE TO CALL FOR INSPECTION

I just finished an accessory/greenhouse addition un-permitted, and a neighbor ratted me out. Now i have a notice for inspection. It was my intention to file it afterwards (doing so before logical yes but circumstance made it difficult). It is built 98% to code. Although my Co-op board approved it to be done w/out a permit, now they want it to be cleared-up… understandable. What are my options? What advice to you have for handling it/steps to take? I’m really broke from doing the job, so this is a factor. Thanks, M

michaelkersch

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 9 years and 2 months ago

7

Please log in, in order to post replies!

7 replies

Newest Oldest

JorgeF | 9 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4898 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4886 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "160932"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "JorgeF"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B/heWlhIGql.SHbGLN.m7ldnVMguPW/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "jorgef"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "jorgefontan@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(53) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/jorgefontan/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:02"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "JorgeF"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(160932)
  ["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)
}

You said you had an expediter determine what you could do, I assume you are referring to code and zoning compliance. I am an architect and I can tell you that expediters are not qualified to answer those questions in my experience expediters do not know a fraction of what they claim they know about code and zoning. You also said it is built to code how do you know that? How do you know what is to code or what isn’t. Who is making those determinations? Yes you will need to pull permits and yes you will need inspections. But the big question is why you are stating it is to code, who is deciding that, what licensed professional with actual qualifications said what you did is to code. How do you know it is done properly? I am not saying it is not done to code I am just asking how do you know if it is or is not.

michaelkersch | 9 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4897 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4896 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "45358"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "michaelkersch"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "michaelkersch"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "m@michaelkerschbaumer.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:27:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "michaelkersch"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(45358)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It does, I used an expediter a few years back to determine what I could do. I said 98% code as it’s build to code, I just removed the windows and door between the two spaces, which I would have to put back in for the Greenhouse qualification. I’m checking w an expiditer/arch. to see if there is a possibility of making it “livable space” so I don’t have to put the floor to ceiling windows and door back in. How do they treat you given that you’ve built, and now doing the permits? Are there extra fines? Will I have to pull electrical/plumbing permits or have that inspected? I have full pic and video documentation of the build. I did all the work myself, I am not licensed, but it is done right to the best of my knowledge, and I’ve built a fair amount. Thanks for the tempered reply, Kersch To the other Gentleman – The Co-op approved me doing it w/out pulling a permit.

JorgeF | 9 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4893 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4899 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "160932"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "JorgeF"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B/heWlhIGql.SHbGLN.m7ldnVMguPW/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "jorgef"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "jorgefontan@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(53) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/jorgefontan/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:02"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "JorgeF"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(160932)
  ["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 first thing you need to figure out – does the greenhouse work with the zoning regulations on your property. If it does not you have a real problem. Hire an architect to look into this. If it works with zoning then the architect can file the job. 98% to code is the same as saying it DOES NOT FOLLOW CODE. Also what zoning and building code expert told you it was 98% to code, who made that determination.

boredatwork | 9 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4896 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4898 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "2719"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "boredatwork"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BiaWeactc21lMA9OeuKVxu36Aie4Iz/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(17) "bored-at-work-2-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "nyc372@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/bored-at-work/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-17 21:39:27"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "bored at work"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(2719)
  ["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)
}

Living in a co-op, I am not sure you can just ignore it. The co-op has by laws that probably govern renovation and inspection. Not sure why you would rely on your co-op board to give you “permission” to move forward. Will they now cover you for the work you need to do to bring the work up to code?

GreenThinker | 9 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4899 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4897 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "98498"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "GreenThinker"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BUyWaQ.9zd8QKKjw0tTw.V/FyEYyLC0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "greenthinker"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "Moscicki.adam@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/greenman/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:19:42"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "GreenThinker"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(98498)
  ["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)
}

Just ignore it, don’t let anyone in. They’ll close it if they can’t get access.

mozeeatupu | 9 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4893 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4900 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176749"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BHO3bQekVGtCrXmPMzpkzkalt5eAQl/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "grandzu@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/mozeeatupu/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176749)
  ["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)
}

Most likely you’ll have to remove it and restore it to its original configuration. Greenhouses are a special focus for DOB as they are usually a round about way to increase sq footage. DOB has been inspecting, violating, and removing “greenhouses”, especially ones that have electrical, heating, plumbing etc.

eman134 | 9 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4896 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5113 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177006"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BaRrlDjFBcYAeDJ9.lwOTJ9pQC9nsT."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "errol832000@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "http:///forums/users/eman134/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "eman134"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177006)
  ["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)
}

You are screwed. You are now liable for a “work without a permit” violation minimum fine of $5000\. You took a chance and lost. You will need to hire an architect and file the job, and hire the appropriate trades to file and pull permits. Probably looking at least $5000-10,000 depending on what you built. By the way there is no such thing as 98% code