Landlord Fined for Cracked Façade

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to maintain building walls in a safe condition. DOB’s inspector stated that the exterior front wall of the building had multiple joint cracks caused by missing mortar, as well as missing and displaced bricks at the lower level. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined her $500. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord argued that the cited Code Section 28-302.1 applied only to buildings greater than six stories in height, and not to her two-story building. But the requirement to maintain exterior walls and their appurtenances applies to all buildings, regardless of height.

O’Brien: ECB App. No. 1200579 (8/30/12) [4-pg. doc.]