Department of Buidlings

Patricia Lancaster, commissioner of the city’s Department of Buildings, is seeking to tighten the leash a bit on builders, pushing for new legislation for “increased enforcement tools” in coming weeks.

The department says it is increasing staff dedicated to inspecting sites and plans, increasing the cost of violating “stop work” orders, and beefing up inspections of sidewalk sheds.

Also of note, the department wants to put the architectural plans of new buildings online by 2009, allowing anyone and everyone to see what’s in store when a developer applies for a building permit.  read more »