Illegal Construction of SRO Units in Building Basement

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for work without a permit. DOB's inspector observed construction of Sheetrock, gas, electrical, water, and waste line connections in the building basement. This was set up to accommodate 100 beds, eight SRO units, and one Class "A" apartment. The inspector later testified that he saw 50 to 60 bunk beds in the basement, five or six toilets, and two shower stalls. There were no DOB permits on file for any of the work done. Landlord argued that there was no Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) violation. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $1,600. Landlord appealed and lost. DOB proved that the partition walls and bathrooms were more than shown on the "I-card" records for the building. The kitchen facilities with plumbing and gas lines were built without required DOB permits in the portion of the cellar designated on the building's C of O for ordinary use. Landlord also presented insufficient proof that this was a pre-existing condition when it bought the building.

Clean Realty LLC: ECB App. No. 1300947 (11/21/13) [4-pg. doc.]