Spitzer Signs Bill to Crack Down on Fradulent Building Plans

NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer has signed Assembly Bill #7746, which gives the Department of Buildings the authority to refuse to accept plans from architects or engineers "who have been found to have knowingly submitted false or inaccurate plans to the DOB in the past." The so-called "self-certification" bill "empowers the Department of Buildings (DOB) to crack down on architects and engineers who abuse the professional certification system at the DOB," according to Assem. Jim Brennan who sponsored the measure as part of a package of legislation. Self-certification by architects has been at the heart of the controversy over the Brooklyn development boom as some architects have submitted false or grossly distorted plans that they have certified as accurate. "This law gives DOB the tools to get tough with professionals who, frequently in league with developers, take advantage of the system and flout the law," Brennan said in a press release. "It is hoped the new law will act as a powerful deterrent to illegal conduct." Architect Robert Scarano gave up his ability to self-certify last year.