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We did some work inside of which 80% did not require a permit. We also redid the upstairs bathroom (already permitted full bath) and moved some fixtures around and added lighting. I'm fairly sure the bath required permits for the basic plumbing and electrical. Long story short, supposedly someone "ratted us out" but I just think the town saw the dumpster, our neighbors tend to mind their own and we look out for each other so I doubt anyone complained. I have agreed to let the inspector come look (what choice do I have). I wonder what penalties I could be facing. Heard everything from a simple fine (up to $350 max) to ripping open the walls to show the work is to code. Anyone have any similar experience. Did a bath or kitchen and got caught?! Thanks.
Hmm...does a town have a right to come in and inspect anyone's house. You admit to doing work but, let's say, a rotten neighbor decides to "rat" someone out and says you did permit required renovations in your house..but really didn't. Can a town ask to come inside your house? Why can't you simply deny any work was done and refuse them permission to enter?
The police can not come into your house just because they want to. Whether there is a complaint for non-compliance or not, why do they have the legal right to come into your home?
Im just asking the hypothetical here. What if someone said you did work in your house and you never actually had work done. Why should you have to let anyone into your house based on some neighbor's statement.
The police can not come into your house just because they want to. Whether there is a complaint for non-compliance or not, why do they have the legal right to come into your home?
Im just asking the hypothetical here. What if someone said you did work in your house and you never actually had work done. Why should you have to let anyone into your house based on some neighbor's statement.
I'm not looking to argue just relating the law per Hempstead. They have the authority to investigate based on the complaint. You don't have to let them in but they can summons you and keep levying fines until you comply. You can fight them in court but that isn't much fun. They can invalidate the CO and make life hell if you want to refinance or sell.
I just find it difficult to believe, although I do not doubt what you are saying, that based on some neighbor's info they can file a complaint against you.
I doubt they will summons you. My father refused to let the Town of HUntington, which is notoriously painful to deal with, into his yard when they wanted to see a deck they found on aerial surveillance. That was that and he never heard about it again. When he went to sell, he needed a CO (in fact needed a CO for the whole house that was built in 1933) and had no problems.
"If the incident warrants, code enforcement officers may issue court appearance tickets."
This is verbatim off the TOH website under code compliance.
This guy has sunk his teeth in and won't let go. He leaves "pre-summons" notives and is calling me being super nice (because he wants to get in). I'm just going to let him and take my medicine. It's more stressful to keep hiding from it. I'd like to move on with my life.
Stinkin' communist town. Liberty is not as advertised. Try getting a handgun license in Nassau. See how far the 2nd amendment gets you. The worst irony is that the former czar of the building department was indicted and forced to resign after doing mass renovations WITHOUT permits and having 2 additional illegal apartments. He lives 2 blocks from Kate Murray herself! He claimed he "did not know!" That's rich. Like the surgeon general saying "gee, I didn't know smoking was bad for you." Duh.
We had a stop work order posted on our front door because a crazy, lonely old lady called TOH on us due to her having to hear drills and saws for 6-8 hrs/day. Long story short, we met with a man named Nick DiNapoli, and he was really good to us. I suggest you go to the town before you allow the inspector to come in. He may call off the dogs if you plead your case in a very polite manner.
On a similar note; I'm looking to purchase a house in TOH where the porch (built with permits) was turned into two storage rooms - walls were built without permits. The rooms are not connected to the heating system in the house and infact have no heat at all and they are a step down from the original house but open to the original house.
Anybody have any thoughts on how this may play out?
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