Landlord Needed Permit for Work on Basement Apartment

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for performing construction work without a permit, by creating an apartment in the building's basement. Landlord claimed that only repair work was being done. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $350. Landlord appealed. ECB also ruled against landlord. Landlord's witnesses stated that new fixtures were merely connected to existing electrical lines and plumbing connections. But the DOB inspector stated that he observed the installation of new electrical lines and plumbing connections. The ALJ found the inspector's testimony to be credible.

Owner of 183 Pinehurst Ave.: ECB App. No. 20744 (5/29/96) [2-page document]