Architect’s self-certified plans omitted mapped street and did not disclose need for BSA approvals. Between September 2008 and April 2009 architect Jose A. Velasquez self-certified applications to convert two buildings into three-family homes and to build two new three-family homes on a zoning lot at the corner of 103rd Street and Alstyne Avenue in Corona, Queens. The lot was occupied by four unfinished buildings partially within the bed of an unused mapped street.

Buildings audited the plans and determined that they violated zoning regulations. Among the objections, Buildings claimed that the plans did not satisfy rear-yard requirements and increased existing non-compliance. The plans did not indicate that a mapped street went through the lot. Buildings also claimed that the plans violated the multiple dwelling law by including a water closet in the cellar of three buildings and contained error regarding fire-safety requirements. Buildings petitioned to have Velasquez barred from the self-certification program for submitting multiple incorrect self-certified applications within a year. (read more…)