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New York Municipal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Municipal Law for New York on
Q: How do we get our municipality, the town of Greenburgh, to repair the sewer line so that sewage does enter our home?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 16, 2023

Inform the DPW about the sewage backup problem and request their assistance in repairing the sewer line. They should be able to provide you with a timeline for when they can inspect and address the issue

Keep a detailed record of the sewage backup incidents, including dates, times, and any...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Is it legal to change my name more than once at a New York City court?

I recently filed a name change petition to change my name, and the judge quickly granted it. But there is a problem: I regret the name I have chosen.

I have not reported my court granted name to any government agency. Would I be required to reference my court approved name in my new name... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

Yes, it is legal to change your name more than once in New York City courts. If you've had a change of heart about the new name, you can file another petition for a name change. In your new petition, you would need to reference any previous name changes, including the one recently granted by... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: how long and wide are hotel stairs supposed to be?

Late Tuesday morning I fell all the way from the top to the bottom of the stairs. There are 17 stairs and I have 17 stitches above my eyebrow. I wasn't intoxicated or on any drugs. It could have been from my shoes, but I am unsure of what happened. My leg is also messed up from the fall, it is... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Oct 19, 2023

Sorry to hear what happened to you. I am unaware of there being any Code requirements as to the maximum width of an interior staircase (they have to be at least 36" wide). With regard to staircases in NYC, the riser height can be no higher than 7". Tread depth can be no greater than... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: how long and wide are hotel stairs supposed to be?

Late Tuesday morning I fell all the way from the top to the bottom of the stairs. There are 17 stairs and I have 17 stitches above my eyebrow. I wasn't intoxicated or on any drugs. It could have been from my shoes, but I am unsure of what happened. My leg is also messed up from the fall, it is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

Building codes, which vary by jurisdiction, generally dictate the dimensions and safety standards for staircases in public buildings, including hotels. In many areas, the International Building Code (IBC) is used as a guideline, which prescribes specific measurements for riser heights and tread... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Can a towing hold your vehicle without your authorization? Non licensed motorist hit my car and the PO had it towed. NYS
Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Aug 7, 2023

If your vehicle was damaged as a result of the crash and was not drivable afterwards, then the police would certainly be authorized to tow it. It will remain impounded until such time as you pay the towing fee. Here's something I found online which you might find helpful,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: How difficult is suing the City for property damages sustained by the FDNY after they couldn’t close a fire hydrant?

FDNY broke a hydrant after putting out a fire. The streets were flooded, Catch Basins and Sewers were clogged and there was no where for water to drain but into our all our basements causing extensive damage. Comptrollers Office just rejected our claims. Three property owners filed claims with the... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 27, 2023

Sorry to hear what happened to your property. Before you can formally sue a municipality such as the City of New York for negligence, you must first file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the occurrence. Once you've filed a Notice of Claim (a prerequisite to any lawsuit), you have 1 year... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: I have trees forming a very tall hedge in front of my house. Code enforcement says it block my address number.

If you are in front of the driveway opening it is visible looking from the street, but anywhere else you wouldn't be able to see the house numbers. I want the privacy. The trees are 10-20 ft tall. Can the city make cut them down in height? I'm in Syracuse, NY.

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Dec 22, 2022

Dear Syracuse Home Owner:

It would help if you provided the section of the e-code with the violation cited by the inspector. There are many reasons to make a house number visible from the road before driving past the driveway, especially for emergency vehicles looking for your house in the dark.

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Aren't each township in each state supposed to inform the drivers that there is a school nearby by displaying signs?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 6, 2022

In New York State, guidelines for displaying signs in school zones are found in NYS DOT regulations. See the link...... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law, Business Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Lying about square footage of commercial real Estate. The high profile case involving fraud. everyone on loopnet do it

There's a certain ex president that is being tried on fraud about lying about the square footage of their comercial realestate. but Louis Rossman exposed this SOME time ago that you can go anywhere on loopnet and show that commercial realestate listings and they lie about it all the time.... View More

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Oct 2, 2023

Have a free telephone consultation with counsel.

Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for New York on
Q: How do I sue the village I live in for adding its debt to my bills?

Town adding 65$ to water bill for its debt.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 12, 2023

Consumer law attorneys (the selected category for the question) don't usually deal with these situations - it might be closer to Municipal Law. Some questions remain unanswered on this forum, but if you wanted to try reposting, you could add "Municipal" and "Government &... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: We have an electric poll on the property that has caused several problems one, was almost burned our house down.

I have called the electric co. no response It is grandfather in. I have called the public comm.,town of Owego. I get no replies. To have it removed I was told back then in2000 it would cost me 20,000 dollars to move the poll. Can u help me? Thank you. From

Apalachin NY.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 23, 2023

From your post, it looks like you've already reached out to the electric utility and the Public Service Commission. Given the fire hazard you describe, you could also try reaching out to local fire & safety departments and elected officials for guidance. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Military Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: I am active duty station at Fort Drum. Do I have to report to jusry duty in Mississippi?

I am active duty Army station at Fort Drum, New York. My residence is back in Carriere, MS on the Hancock County side. Is there any exemptment for soldiers stationed away from home? If so, what will I need to do to let the court know?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 9, 2021

There are military law attorneys on this forum who have experience with such matters, and they could answer best. But your post remains open for a day, and it is probably best to take some form of action without further delay. You could show the notice to your commanding officer and request their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law and Uncategorized for New York on
Q: My suitcase is lost thru taxi curb how do I find it
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 23, 2021

Did you pay through an app or other digital means? Maybe that info could be help locate driver and vehicle to ask if they have the suitcase. Another approach might be through the TLC - here's a link for Lost Property through the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for New York on
Q: My dad passed away 4 years ago leaving No Will. I just found out my dad's house is only in his name. Need help.

My dad resided in Las Piedras Puerto Rico

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 21, 2020

I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. This isn't really a municipal law matter. If you repost under Probate and Estate Planning, there would be better chances of your question being picked up by an attorney who could offer meaningful input. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Municipal Law and Public Benefits for New York on
Q: What are the laws regarding public speaking in a city like NYC?

Can any mass of people congregate in a public park, setup some speakers and listen to an orator speak about politics, for example? Is this protected by the right to peaceful assembly? I'm talking about non-pandemic times, btw. Thanks for any help provided.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 8, 2020

This is something that a constitutional law scholar would know best. It sounds like you are touching upon the time, place, manner attributes of the First Amendment. It would be safest to contact agencies or offices within the City of New York to verify these guidelines - it's possible they... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Is there a specific law stating fire departments are responsible for visitors on department property.

Doing research for a class project

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 9, 2020

It does not seem like something that would expressly be spelled out in any statute or code. But you should still research and check municipal codes and ordinances (including those written by FDNY) to be certain. If after diligently checking, you find no such provisions, you could consider including... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for New York on
Q: I was traveling in Manhattan through subway and someone outside the gate told me he had an emergency.

I was traveling in Manhattan through subway and someone outside the gate told me he had an emergency and wanted me to open the emergency exit for him. I was unaware of his real goal and let him come in but then I realized this was wrong. No police or staff was in that station at that time and no... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 14, 2020

For the most meaningful analysis of your situation, a New York criminal defense attorney is really best suited to advise you; you could repost in that category. But as a practical matter in light of your awaiting an answer on this board with concern, you would have likely been stopped right then... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Can a volunteer fire officer supervise career firefighters and career fire officers?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 25, 2019

This sounds like something that an employment attorney might be more likely to know than attorneys in the posted categories - if there is a possibility the issue is addressed in a collective bargaining agreement or other employment-related contract. Municipal or administrative laws might not go... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Why are lawyers afraid to go up against local village issues concerning water/sewer charges?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 6, 2019

It could be any number of reasons. One could be an issue of conflict, where if the lawyer represents anyone having any affiliation with the village, they don't want a conflict of interest, or at least the appearance of one. Another could be that if the lawyer has aspirations of handling work... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for New York on
Q: How can I find out if a lawyer is licenced in New York State
Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Nov 4, 2019

Visit the New York State Unified Court System website, and search the attorney directory.

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