Removing (illegal) back deck - do I need a permit?

Thanks, we have to do other work as part of the DOB violations so want to get that all done, then we can worry about putting up a new deck.

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198282"

Was hit with a DOB violation for rear deck with no permit. I have been searching online and understand that a permit is required to be pulled when you construct or alter a deck. Is removing a deck altogether considered altering it? Would a demolition permit be required?

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198282"

Thanks in advance!

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198282"

Thanks in advance!

kassie319 | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Have you looked into whether the deck can be legalized?

WRPListings | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Just curious, was the deck there when you bought the place? How did the violation happen?

randolph | 7 years and 2 months ago

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if you do not have nosey neighbors i would just rip the thing down, a good crew can probably do it in a day and have the debris hauled away. problem solved.

greenworks | 7 years and 2 months ago

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hey randolph — I think thats a good idea but if DOB came for him having an illegal rear deck, I’m assuming the neighbors are already nosey and someone in sight of his back yard reported it.

I’m not sure how DOB otherwise would have heard about it/seen it other than that but am open to other ideas.

resident2 | 7 years and 2 months ago

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If you already have a violation for an illegal deck; you need to get a permit to either legalize it, alter it to become legal or to demolish it and return it to the pre-existing condition. Only then can you clear the violation.
Just removing the deck, without filing it, does not remove the violation.

namahs | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Also curious too, if you have an existing deck before purchase..how would you just get a violation since you probably cannot see it from the street (public) view.

adam_dahill | 7 years and 2 months ago

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I believe there was/is an amnesty program for decks. The city would inspect for safety and recommend alterations to bring to code if not. I would inquire about that.

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Hi all, thanks for the replies to my very first post. Yes, a nasty neighbor ratted me out to DOB for illegal alteration in my basement (prior owners had basically shrunk the attached garage to a 6′ deep storeroom, increasing the basement space – I loved my basement, which will now be shrunken as I will likely have to restore the garage). Anyway, while the inspector was there he observed my deck (also from prior owner). The deck is 14′ x 18′ and 9′ off the ground, with stairs that go down to the backyard so it’s pretty visible. The deck can’t be legalized as it’s right up against my attached neighbor’s deck and it’s wood therefore fire hazard in both directions. The deck was getting old and rickety and we were talking about replacing it anyway later this year; the DOB just forced us to accelerate our plans LOL. And I definitely need the removal done right to get the violation mitigated or dismissed. Luckily I have proof that I bought the house in this condition so DOB has told me that the work without a permit violation will be dismissed, leaving just illegal occupancy.

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198282"

Hi all, thanks for the replies to my very first post. Yes, a nasty neighbor ratted me out to DOB for illegal alteration in my basement (prior owners had basically shrunk the attached garage to a 6′ deep storeroom, increasing the basement space – I loved my basement, which will now be shrunken as I will likely have to restore the garage). Anyway, while the inspector was there he observed my deck (also from prior owner). The deck is 14′ x 18′ and 9′ off the ground, with stairs that go down to the backyard so it’s pretty visible. The deck can’t be legalized as it’s right up against my attached neighbor’s deck and it’s wood therefore fire hazard in both directions. The deck was getting old and rickety and we were talking about replacing it anyway later this year; the DOB just forced us to accelerate our plans LOL. And I definitely need the removal done right to get the violation mitigated or dismissed. Luckily I have proof that I bought the house in this condition so DOB has told me that the work without a permit violation will be dismissed, leaving just illegal occupancy.

randolph | 7 years and 2 months ago

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If your plan is to ultimately put up a new deck and you can afford to do that now I would recommend doing the demo and construction of new deck at the same time, you will save money and save the headache of dealing with the DOB multiple times.

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Thanks, we have to do other work as part of the DOB violations so want to get that all done, then we can worry about putting up a new deck.