Summons 39196420R — Occupancy / illegal conversion
Normalized lookup key: 039196420RWhat DOB alleges
DOB alleges that the property's observed use or dwelling configuration did not match the legal occupancy shown in the cited DOB record. The inspector's description specifically references cellar, first floor and Certificate of Occupancy / legal-use record.
Specific record details: cellar, first floor, Certificate of Occupancy / legal-use record.
Full violation description from the source extract
OCCUPANCY CONTRARY TO CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OR BUILDING OFFICIAL RECORDS. ATOI, OBSERVED THE CELLAR AND 1ST FLR OF A 2 STORY MIXED-USE BUILDING OCCUPIED AS A BUDDHIST TEMPLE ON 1ST FLR WITH COOKING/DINING IN
- Issue date
- July 16, 2026
- Served date
- July 16, 2026
- Source violation type
- Construction
- Severity
- CLASS - 2
- Hearing status in source extract
- PENDING
- 203 — 28-118.3.2 OCC CONTRARY TO THAT ALLOWED BY THE C OF O OR DOB RECORDS
Record-specific focus: Before choosing a correction or hearing strategy, verify the source allegation concerning occupancy contrary to certificate of occupancy or building official records. atoi, observed the cellar and 1st floor of a 2 story mixed-use building occupied as a buddhist temple on 1st floor with cooking/dining in.
What this violation means
This type of summons concerns use or occupancy that DOB says is inconsistent with the approved Certificate of Occupancy or other legal-use record. The central question is not just what rooms exist, but whether the present dwelling/use configuration is legally authorized.
What may be required to correct the condition
A practical correction review usually starts by comparing the current layout and use with the Certificate of Occupancy, approved plans, I-card/MDR or other historical records. Depending on what the records allow, the path may involve restoration to the approved use or a legalization filing if zoning, egress, fire-safety and building-code requirements can be met. The legal-use record should be obtained before deciding whether the present configuration can remain.
What the OATH hearing may involve
For the OATH matter, useful questions include what legal-use record DOB relied on, what the inspector actually observed, whether the cited space was occupied as alleged on the inspection date, and whether photographs, leases, plans or historical records support or contradict the stated occupancy.
Possible defenses or factual issues worth investigating
Review the legal-use/occupancy history, the exact location cited, prior permits and alteration applications, and whether the source record accurately describes the number and type of dwelling units or the use of the cited space. Legalization should not be assumed until zoning and code feasibility are checked. Because the description identifies several physical components or locations, photographs and records should be matched to those specific details rather than submitted as general property evidence.
Documents and evidence that may be useful
- Certificate of Occupancy or other legal-use record
- approved plans and alteration applications
- current photographs of the cited rooms/use
- leases or occupancy records if relevant
- prior permits, inspections and sign-offs