Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey
Time limitation on home expansions done without permits.
Bought in 1991 an expanded one family house with 2 kitchens and two bathrms called ''mother/daughter''. In 1994 learned that the house was assessed as two family house, and it was done way before I bought it in period of 1964-1974. To sell the house I applied for a Certificate of Occupancy required in our county only from 2000. I got a letter from code enforcement officer stating that they have no records on permits for the kitchen therefore it has to be completely removed with cabinets and appliances.
Thus for over 25 years I and previous owner paid tax to the borough where one department call my house a two family (tax purposes) but other one does not legally constructed. How can I solve this problem?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Time limitation on home expansions done without permits.
show the tax bill to the construction official. If that does not work, go to an attorney and have him write a letter. If that does not work, you may have to appeal his decision to the Zoning Board. You have ten day to file the appeal. If you are out of time, you will have to file for a "use" variance with the zoning board. If it is north jersey call me and i will try to help.
Bernie Berkowitz
973-808-20003