Wooden Patio in Backyard -- Is it Legal

I have a perfectly legal metal deck and railings in my backyard and super ugly cement on the ground. I decided to cover the cement with a wooden patio. We started working on it and I just got a “Notice to Call For Inspection” telling me there was a complaint made against and I need to set time for an inspector to come in and check it out.

First question, is my patio is illegal? I thought I can do anything wooden as long as it is 6 feet away from the house, is that correct? Second, what do I do? I am freaking out? Anyone has good expeditors to recommend?

Thank you!

deva

in General Discussion 3 years and 10 months ago

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patrickburnsjr | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Mr. jimhillra has hit the nail on the head!

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 3 years and 10 months ago

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And, of course, trees can burn.

andriywww1990 | 3 years and 10 months ago

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cattle dung? in some cultures they burn it for heat, in others they put it in the garden.

deva | 3 years and 10 months ago

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lol!!! Totally!

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 3 years and 10 months ago

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What about. cedar mulch? This could become absurd.

deva | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Does property line run from the house or also includes the fence that I share with my neighbors. What about wooden planters that are closer than 3 feet to the fence?

Thank you!

jimhillra | 3 years and 10 months ago

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I’ve never heard anything about 6′ from the house, but there are restrictions about proximity to the lot lines. Wood structure or decking cannot be used within three feet of the property line. DOB TPPN 4/03 addresses the requirements of decks, porches, terraces, etc. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/ppn/tppn0403.pdf.

As for removable sections of wood decking, that does not make it compliant. The issue is not access for repair. It’s fire safety. Being able to remove flammable material does not make it non-combustible. It just means that you can remove it before an inspection so the non-compliant condition is not observed.

JohnHancock | 3 years and 10 months ago

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What you’re doing is most likely not illegal at all, but one of your neighbors complained and the inspector has only their information to go by so the rules say they must stop by. Just ignore them and it will be dismissed.
Of course the bad actors know about this little “trick “ too and that’s why when your neighbor does something really bad they do the same ?

JohnHancock | 3 years and 10 months ago

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What you’re doing is most likely not illegal at all, but one of your neighbors complained and the inspector has only their information to go by so the rules say they must stop by. Just ignore them and it will be dismissed.
Of course the bad actors know about this little “trick “ too and that’s why when your neighbor does something really bad they do the same ?

mozeeatupu | 3 years and 10 months ago

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The city is the enemy of homeowners.

Guest User | 3 years and 10 months ago

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If you let them in they will look for things to give you a violation for.

ceci | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Totally agree with you, doesn’t sound illegal to me either!!!! The city wants to make up for lost revenue!!!

deva | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Thank you so much! Super helpful!

My other question is: Is what I am doing illegal? Having a small wooden patio on top of cement ground many feet away from the house?

Thank you!

ceci | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Don’t let them in!!!! Also, similar inquiry re: a swimming pool similar situation and the consensus was not to let the building inspectors in!! Supposedly, after 2 Attempts they would close out the complaint!!! Search for the thread, it was a recent inquiry!!!!

Chas373 | 3 years and 10 months ago

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From what I understand it would be the same as with adding a roof deck, such as on a garage roof that was built in removable sections. So that one or two people could pick up a section and move it. If you were to build one large connected piece then a permit is necessary. I’m relaying what I was advised for a garage roof deck, so I can’t be sure it applies to a deck on the ground.