Sidewalk violation = lien = can't refi, need advice

I have an issue that I’m wondering if anyone might throw a tip my way for. A property I purchased came with a several year old sidewalk violation (including lien on the title), which we added (in order to get the loan) as a line item to the 203k rehab items. Since we were rushed (this was right before closing) my broker paid a visit and somehow decided that the problem was a crack running across. That seemed to be true and I trusted him there (my first mistake).

* After closing, I immediately get two squares redone by the contractor.
* I then call 311 to get a dismissal inspection, and am told I need a permit (and to wait 30 days).
* Call contractor, he tells me he never pulled a permit and ‘already told you he wasn’t pulling permits for any of that work’ (even though I repeatedly asked him when he was getting a permit for this to start it), but still my mistake number 2 for not micromanaging this part).
* Contractor gives me one of his cheap expediters. For $100, this one takes some paperwork for me promising to pull a permit and get the inspection ordered within a few weeks.
* I wait a few weeks and begin to get on the case of the expediter, who tells me he’ll go ‘next week some time’ (repeatedly for several weeks). He then gets angry and hostile, telling me that he had a death in the family and he ‘doesn’t have to tell me his business’ meaning it’s not his fault that made a promise he can’t keep. He says he’ll do it “this week some time”.

I’m letting the expediter pretend to expedite, and in the meanwhile I’m here looking for some alternatives. Here is what I am currently doing, and where I could use advice telling me if there is something better.

* I’ve called 311 in order to get a copy of the violation (should’ve done this months ago) to double confirm it was a crack running across. Now waiting ‘up to 30 days’.
* I’m going to give the expediter another few days (he said ‘this week’) and if he doesn’t come through I’ll go with another expediter in order to get the permit and order an inspection.
* Once I get the permit and an inspection, I’ll either hope it passes or if it doesn’t, I’m going to do proper repairs and get it re-inspected as soon as possible (which could be 30 days).

Any tips? Will this really block a refinance? I am worried that there might be some other aspect of the sidewalk that’ll prevent them from dismissing the violation. Meanwhile, in unrelated news the city just put some marks on the sidewalk (a number in bright green paint) like they’re about to do something there around what appears to be a gas or other valve.

soundhoner

in Permits 9 years and 10 months ago

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soundhoner | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Now I have both white and green numbers in front of my property, instead of just neon green. The white include dotted lines in addition to the number (which is the same as the neon green). I suppose they’re about to open up the sidewalk? What’s this mean in terms of sidewalk inspection? (Wonder if the financing will overlook the entire issue now that the city is about to — I guess? — excavate the sidewalk?)

soundhoner | 9 years and 10 months ago

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So I got the permit. Not surprisingly to me, I now have to call 311 to get them to schedule an inspection, ‘within 30 days’. I’m worried that there might be something else with the sidewalk that’s wrong, though, because my contractor only repaired two squares that were fully cracked up to the property line (as per the broker’s advice). However, the other squares are mildly uneven, and the separators between the properties adjacent don’t seem to have spacers. Should I a) call 311 and schedule the inspection now and wait 30 days to see what happens b) Attempt to call the borough commissioner of the DOT to try to speak to a human c) contact somewhat more specialized who knows how to get things done (as my expediter turned out to be a big pain) I’m planning to try b tomorrow, and then a. I’ve heard of people going over there (but I haven’t managed to find what ‘there’ is and what to bring with me if I do go there). Yes, it blocks refinancing as it’s a lien. My permit is valid 30 days only.

no-permits | 9 years and 10 months ago

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i’m surprised that the bank/title company won’t allow you an undertaking to get it resolved post closing.

no-permits | 9 years and 10 months ago

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you did the right thing by requesting a copy of the violation but from my experience, it will never come. i would just go ahead and file the permit yourself, assuming it is not a commercial property, and request simply write on the paperwork you only need a reinspection. paying the $70 permit fee is the only way i know of to get a reinspeciton.

soundhoner | 9 years and 10 months ago

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> I had a 2011 violation, too. So did many people on my Block. No fine though. Maybe there are different kind of sidewalk violations? Mostly these are issued if there is a height difference of more than 1/2? between the squares or bluestone slabs, or other trip hazards. Anyway ? my (specialized) contractor pulled the permit and signed off on it.

My contractor is the opposite. How long did it take before they did the dismissal inspection, and do you happen to have a contact (like the contractor) to pass on to me? thanks

Augustiner | 9 years and 10 months ago

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I had a 2011 violation, too. So did many people on my Block. No fine though. Maybe there are different kind of sidewalk violations… Mostly these are issued if there is a height difference of more than 1/2″ between the squares or bluestone slabs, or other trip hazards. Anyway – my (specialized) contractor pulled the permit and signed off on it.

soundhoner | 9 years and 10 months ago

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They didn’t come and repair it as it’s from 2011 and the sidewalk didn’t look very fresh until I repaired pieces of it. And it’s clearly a lien – it’s evident from the title report. And I’m happy to take other expediter recommendations, like I said this came from a contractor. PM me if you have a good one.

Augustiner | 9 years and 10 months ago

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As far as I know there are no fines on sidewalk violations. It you don’t fix them the city will come and repair it. Then you have to pay for it which could result in a lien. The lien shouldn’t be a surprise to the bank as it is public record. On another note, what kind of performance do you expect for $100 from an expediter?

concord | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Oh I just saw on the title that you can,t refi…hard to believe! Explain situation to bank, etc. if not the person you are dealing with then a ‘manager’…

concord | 9 years and 10 months ago

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What is the rush? You closed, fixed the sidewalk…all you need is the permit and inspection which should be no issue if work done correctly. In the meantime pay mortgage… A violation is so that you correct something…which you have done. Unless you are about to sell, there is no rush…me thinks

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Sidewalk paint codes: Red electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables Orange telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit Yellow natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable material Green sewers and drain lines Blue drinking water Purple reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines Pink temporary survey markings, unknown/unidentified facilities White proposed excavation limits or route