Tag Archives: code enforcement

Pawtucket Building Owner Sues Fire Department and State for $6.7 Million

The owner of a building in Pawtucket, Rhode Island has filed a pro se lawsuit against the Pawtucket Fire Department, various fire officers, the city, the mayor and members of the state fire marshal’s office claiming each violated his civil rights. Mark E. Amesbury, doing business as Polytechnic, filed suit in US District Court alleging violations of his 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendment rights

Fire Alarm Company Sues Fire Department For Discrimination

A fire alarm company in Honolulu is suing the City and County of Honolulu and five named fire inspectors claiming the inspectors discriminated against the company because of its owner’s religion and national origin. Ohana Control Systems, Inc. and its president Michael Amir Borochov filed suit in US District Court alleging a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection requirement and an assortment of state law claims.

Federal Appeals Court Refuses To Block FDNY Enforcement of AirBNB Law

The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has refused to enjoin FDNY and the New York City Department of Buildings from enforcing New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 121, commonly referred to as the "AirBNB Law." The law restricts property owners from advertising the use of a “Class A Multiple Dwelling” for non-permanent (transient) residential purposes.

Ohio Fire District Moves To Force The Closure of Motel

An Ohio fire district has filed suit to close an area hotel due to fire code violations. Cardinal Joint Fire District Deputy Chief Matt Rarick filed suit last week seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction prohibiting the continued occupancy of the Canfield Colonial Motel.

OSHA Cites UPS for Fire Code Violations at Massachusetts Facility

Federal OSHA has handed down fines totaling $431,517 against United Parcel Services for repeated fire code violations at their Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts facility. The citations issued last week involved for four repeated and seven serious safety violations.

NH Inn Owner Sues Town and Fire Chief for $2 million

A New Hampshire fire chief is being sued by the owner of a bed and breakfast who claims the chief conspired with the town’s treasurer, with whom he is romantically involved, to damage his business. Joseph Torro filed suit last week in US District Court naming the Town of Bradford, Bradford's fire chief, and Bradford's treasurer.

San Francisco Sues Slumlord Over Unsafe Living Quarters

The City of San Francisco has filed suit against the owner and master tenant of a commercial building who illegally sub-leased basement living space to more than 20 vulnerable residents in a way that “jeopardized the welfare of their tenants, the neighbors, first responders, and all San Francisco residents.”

NJ Fire Inspector Awarded $1 Million

A New Jersey fire inspector who claims he was harassed because he cited various businesses with close ties to the mayor for fire code violations, has been awarded over $1 million by a Superior Court jury. The city of Elizabeth ...

Florida Department and Chief Sued Over Hotel Closure

A Florida fire department and fire chief are being sued by the owner of a hotel that was ordered closed due to fire code violations. Kenilworth Properties, owner of the Kenilworth Hotel, is suing the City of Sebring, Sebring Fire Chief Brad Batz and C-T Protection Inc.

Idaho Chief’s Suit Survives Summary Judgment

A wrongful termination lawsuit filed by the former fire marshal of Nampa, Idaho survived a motion for summary judgment last week. Deputy Chief Doug Strosnider was fired in May, 2014 after he sent notices to two property owners about installing fire alarm and sprinkler systems.

Property Owner Sues Ohio City and City Officials Including Fire Chief

A property owner is suing an Ohio city and 20 city employees claiming they illegally barred him from creating four units in two existing buildings. Bryon Graf filed suit against the City of Nelsonville naming the fire chief, the police chief, the city manager, the city council, and the planning commission

Code Enforcement Failure Results in Charges and Wrongful Death Suit

A fire in Grand Isle, Louisiana in 2012, that killed two people has led to criminal charges against a fire inspector and a civil suit that names the inspector and the state fire marshal’s office.

Ohio Chief Claims He Was Politically Ousted Over Fire Code Enforcement

An Ohio fire chief who claims he was fired because a politically connected property-owner was upset about series of recent fire inspections has filed suit in federal court naming the city manager, the mayor, the city council and the property-owner. ...

Restaurant Obtains TRO Against Fire Department over Code Enforcement

The owner of a McKinney, Texas restaurant has filed suit against the city of McKinney claiming that police, fire and code enforcement personnel are “harassing” him following a June inspection that uncovered 80 code violations. Yesterday, a judge in Collin ...