Building without Permits
A developer bought a 3 story brick house a block down from us in BedStuy. They are doing a full gut, including cellar dig out and the addition of a massive 4 story extension in the back. No permits are posted and from what I can tell nothing shows up on DOB site. Are they being smart because only amateurs pull permits and deal with DOB hell? Or is this just foolish?
sticksandstones
in General Discussion 8 years and 3 months ago
19
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decadesinpreservation | 8 years and 2 months ago
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‘People need to mind their business.’ That’s crazy.
Considering the risks, that seems to be a very silly statement to me. There are more than enough sad stories to prove that, at the very least, this is the adjacent neighbors’ business. I agree with Mr. Marvin, this is a community concern.
One no-permit project will encourage others.
yudashasom | 8 years and 2 months ago
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People need to mind their business.
Guest User | 8 years and 2 months ago
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If they haven’t filed with the DOB for this type of work they are very foolish. Excavating the cellar is very serious business especially near party walls and if not done properly this could put the neighboring properties at risk.
First, go online to the DOB website and see if they have filed for the job and perhaps just haven’t posted permits (all you need is the address and you type it in at the bottom of the screen under “buildings information”). If there is no work listed for the address I would file a compliant with the DOB and also call 311.
RobertGMarvin
in General Discussion 8 years and 3 months ago
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Concern for one’s community?
daveinbedstuy | 8 years and 3 months ago
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Why get into this if the house is a block away?????
RobertGMarvin
in General Discussion 8 years and 3 months ago
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IF that scenario is correct it’s still the developer’s responsibility to make sure their “fence guy” ISN’T sloppy. DOB problems might convince them to do things right.
Guest User | 8 years and 3 months ago
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I wouldn’t be so fast to call the DOB. Yes, they should definitely be pulling permits and having the appropriate inspections done and getting the right professionals involved. However, it’s possible they did all this and that their permits just didn’t hit the DOB site yet and their fence guy was lazy about putting up signs. Additionally, since it is a block away from you, I don’t see how you are directly affected. You might be causing an honest developer undue headache and problems by being quick on the trigger. The DOB can be a nightmare even for developers doing everything right. (Yes, I have been the honest developer on the other side, hence my sensitivities). Better to speak to the neighbors who are directly affected and have them speak to the developer and express their concerns. If he fails to assuage their fears, by all means, they should take whatever steps necessary to protect themselves, including calling the DOB.
AndrewPorter | 8 years and 3 months ago
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When I find morons trying to get away with this in my Landmarked neighborhood, I call the local group, and also 311.
alterboy | 8 years and 3 months ago
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I cannot understand why an adjacent property owner would go to the trouble of looking for permits on a major construction job next door and then NOT notify the DOB when no permits are found. Your own property could be at significant risk. DOB codes are there to protect people. Of course, filing with the DOB is a phenomenal pain but that doesn’t eliminate the reasons that people should file and obtain permits. Can I assume that you have no idea who the developer or contractors are, what their experience with this type of work is, and what kind of insurance they carry? I would absolutely want any work adjacent to my house to be done by the book. Why don’t you?
resident2 | 8 years and 3 months ago
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Getting clear title to sell or refinance with a huge new extension and no filings is going to be tough. Even if all the trades build it right, it is still stupid.
murph | 8 years and 3 months ago
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Adjacent neighbors should have a talk with this developer just about the cellar dig-out. This could undermine the party walls and put the neighbors’ foundations at risk. Monitoring of that work alone is required for all three cellars.
Plus file complaints with DOB and FDNY for this smart ass.
Guest User | 8 years and 3 months ago
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I would only be calling DOB when my neighbor encroaches.
sticksandstones | 8 years and 3 months ago
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I guess they are going the cowboy route. Sort of wish we did also since our alt2 was with Schnall and it is still open. Then again, the first time I even changed a lightbulb in our new place someone called the DOB on me.
Guest User | 8 years and 3 months ago
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But they cant take down the existing party wall and rebuild it onto my property.
mozeeatupu | 8 years and 3 months ago
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Rebrick and restoop don’t need permits
slopefarm | 8 years and 3 months ago
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It’s excavation. Of COURSE someone will file a complaint. Very foolish. Anyone taking so stupid a shortcut on this big a job is undoubtedly taking other shortcuts. I’ve seen how this ends before — something goes wrong, there’s damage to a neighbor, there’s a SWO, and the developer, who was already working too close to the bone (hence all the cut corners) doesn’t have the resources to remedy the problems. Then the job will just sit there for years undone.
Guest User | 8 years and 3 months ago
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My neighbor has been interviewing contractors since August to re-brick, re-stoop, and re-do the sidewalk. No sign on DOB site for anything. I guess its so hard to find a contractor that will agree to encroach onto my property.
mozeeatupu | 8 years and 3 months ago
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It’s only risky if someone files a complaint
a2chitect | 8 years and 3 months ago
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["allcaps"]=>
array(1) {
["bbp_participant"]=>
bool(true)
}
["filter"]=>
NULL
["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
int(1)
}
No. They are being quite foolish. I’ve seen existing townhouses receive a full interior renovation without any permits, but excavating for an extension without proper permits is very risky.