Usually, municipalities simply issue a violation, and fine a violator for breaking the code.
This is a situation when work without a permit brought a whole lot of trouble of an Ohio building owner.
The city of Troy, which is in Ohio, Miami County decided to go above and beyond a simple work without a permit violation, when it came to demolition of one of the city historic buildings – The Tavern Building, located at 112-118 West Main Street.
The owner, Randy Kimmel, has decided to demolish the building, but did not seek permission from the city construction authority. As a result, the city of Troy has filed a lawsuit with Miami County Common Pleas Court to seek injuction against the actions of the owner.
The lawsuit not only asks the court to stop demolition, but also seeks to recoup punitive damages and attorneys fees. The lawsuits also bars the owner from using the sidewalk, which was used to stage the demolition.
It goes to show that seeking a permit before starting construction or demolition is far wiser then trying to save on filing fees.