Structural Repair Work Required Permit

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for starting work on a first-floor apartment without a permit. DOB's inspector saw the construction of structural walls and ceilings, framing, and plumbing and electrical work in the apartment. Landlord claimed that it was making only ordinary repairs needed after extensive damage caused by evicted squatters. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $500. Landlord appealed and lost. ECB found that the work wasn't ordinary repair work. The inspector's report was supported by photographs he took showing that landlord was repairing a physically damaged ceiling, erecting walls, and performing electrical work.

53 West 127 Street, Inc.: ECB App. No. 46521 (10/29/09) [2-pg. doc.]