Owner claimed that structure was enlargement and not new construction. Michael Reznikov received permits from Buildings in 2002 to make interior improvements and apply a masonry veneer to the exterior of his two-story home at 229 Coleridge Street in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. A 2004 Buildings’ inspection revealed that Reznikov had instead increased the height of his home and significantly extended it into the rear yard thereby violating limits on bulk. Buildings issued a stop-work order.

Reznikov applied to BSA for a special permit to legalize the over-sized addition and the building’s height. BSA notified Reznikov that it could grant permits in cases where the home had been enlarged, but not where the home had been completely demolished. Since the work was complete, Reznikov carried the burden of showing that the completed work was an enlargement
and not a new structure. (read more…)