Landlord Fined $40,800 for Repeated Work Without Permit

DOB issued violation notices to landlord of two-family house for doing work without a permit and failing to comply with prior directives. DOB inspector observed construction of a wood frame lot line deck behind the building, piping for installation of a gas stove in the attic, and a sink and bathroom in apartments over the garage. The ALJ found that landlord had ignored prior orders to cure violations and fined landlord $40,800. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord claimed that the penalties were excessive. But landlord didn't dispute the facts or offer any legal defenses. It didn't matter that the building had no Certificate of Occupancy or that DOB's inspector was unavailable to testify at the hearing before the ALJ. The penalties imposed by the ALJ were those authorized by law.

Estafanous: ECB App. No. 1200364 (7/25/13) [5-pg. doc.]