Laundry Room Had No Accessible Entry for Disabled Tenants

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to provide physically disabled persons with an accessible route to cellar laundry rooms in three adjoining buildings. The only access was by stairs. There was no elevator, ramp, or stair lift. Landlord argued that DOB approved its plans for the cellar renovations and issued a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in 1998. DOB claimed that this was an oversight. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $1,500. Landlord appealed to ECB and won. DOB approved the C of O, which certifies compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Until the Board of Standards and Appeals or a court rules differently, the C of O is binding on DOB.

18-22 Avenue C Realty Corp.: ECB App. Nos. 47539-41 (5/7/09) [3-pg. doc.]