Landlord Fined $8,750 for Unauthorized Gas Piping and Fittings

DOB issued three violation notices to landlord for: (a) working without a permit; (b) failing to have plumbing system tested; and (c) supplying gas to the buildings without DOB inspections and certifications. DOB's inspector found no permits on file for a gas dryer and hot water heater in the building cellar. At a hearing, landlord claimed that the violations had been corrected. The ALJ found no valid defense but reduced the penalties in light of landlord's compliance. Landlord was fined $8,750.

Landlord appealed and lost. At the hearing, it was undisputed that permits were never obtained for the installations or that the gas piping and fittings were not inspected or approved by DOB. As the building owner, landlord was responsible for having the utility company supply gas to the property in the manner required by the Fuel Gas Code. Reliance on claimed representations by landlord's local elected officials was no excuse.

Samet: ECB App. No. 1901210 (9/26/19) [2-pg. doc.]