Block Wall Extension (Phoenix, Scottsdale: HOA, house, contractor)

[roccero]

Hello,

I am new to this forum and I am very anxious to reach out to anyone that may have an answer or suggestion for me.
I am a resident of Scottsdale for over 20 years and have lived in the same house since I've arrived here.
My situation is regarding the addition of two courses of block to my backyard wall. I pursued all the proper channels which I thougt were required in order to do so. I got the HOA permission and signed letters from my bordering neighbors in full agreement.
I then hired a licensed mason to add the additional block, no permit was pulled for I was not told to do so by the contractor nor did I know I had to. Fast forward a year later and a new neighbor calls in my addition to the City of Scottsdale. Can I put in a request for a variance since the wall has been up for sometime ? I am open for any suggestions.
Another mason I just called said that Scottsdale has increased the distance between columns on center for block walls and I may be able to grandfather the addition. I cannot find the information regarding the change that Scottsdale made regarding the columns distance on center. I would appreciate anyones input on how I can possible keep my two additional courses to my wall.

Sincerely

[wit-nit]

Call the City of Scottsdale Permit Dept and explain your position, they are the ones that make the decisions and what you'll be legally able to do.

https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/plannin...ermit-services

[kell490]

If you used a licensed contractor I would put it back on them for not pulling the proper permits. The whole idea of using a licensed contractor is they are taking the responsibility for making sure the proper permitting is done. My guess now is your going to be on the hook for a fine for un-permitted work, as well as possibly removing the extra rows if the neighbor gives you problems with the Variance.

There are lot of Mason's who aren't really licensed is it possible you thought the person you used was licensed maybe they really weren't. If they were I would start by calling them find out what to do now, and if you can't get anywhere with them call the ROC file a complaint.

A contractor I got a quote from he wasn't licensed he said Scottsdale was more difficult to deal with then other cities. I'm in Phoenix I know if you go over 7 feet one is required to get structural engineering plan no one ever gets they just add a few rows after the fact. I'm sure paying some engineer to get one is going to cost at least $1000.