Ask the Expert

Furthermore, I refinanced my home but the bank is holding a portion of my closing fee in a non-interest bearing escrow account until I get the permit. I sent the town a copy of the architect's plans for my deck along with a survey of property.... I cannot understand why it has not been approved. I see approvals every week in the newspapers.

Please help me with this problem.... What do I actually need to get a certificate of occupancy?

Thank you for your help and I will, naturally, continue to read your column.

A.

I made a quick call to learn the status of your application, which you included with your letter. The Town is not trying to confuse or delay your project, but they do need some basic information before they can finalize their review. You must provide a site plan on the blueprints showing the zoning data. This data must include the distances from your deck to the property lines, the area of property occupied by the house, the deck, and any other structures that are taller than 8-1/4 inches above the ground, and pertinent information about the deck, including how it was built.

An as-built set of plans should look just like a set that would be used if the deck were being constructed today, showing all foundations, structural members, finishes (such as lattice or deck boards), types of bolting or nailing of beams to post, etc. Your architect hopefully has this information and can provide it for the building plans examiner. In this busy building climate, you should allow a few weeks extra for the next plan review. The town is telling people three to four months for the review process from start to finish without a variance, since there are many, many applications in the works right now. If you are concerned with a closing date, provide the town with an original letter from the bank showing the closing date and a letter from you or your attorney requesting an emergency expedite. The town tries to accommodate special cases when it can, but be patient and good luck!

Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 220, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559-0220Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.