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Trustees review special-permit conversion at 49 North Goodwin Avenue; inspectors' unannounced visits, fines explained
Summary
Board discussed a special-permit request for an attic/basement conversion at 49 North Goodwin Avenue and reiterated that such permits carry annual unannounced inspections and stiff enforcement fines for violations; trustees emphasized safety and possible orders to seal illegal conversions.
Speaker 2 introduced the 49 North Goodwin Avenue matter and explained how the building currently functions as a two-family dwelling with residents on the first floor and tenants on the second. Speaker 2 reminded applicants that attics and basements require a special permit because of prior unsafe-occupancy incidents: "Years ago, we found a lot of violations where people were living in unsafe and, nonhumane conditions and fire traps…".
Speaker 2 explained permit conditions, including a once-a-year unannounced inspection by the building department and potential enforcement measures if conditions are violated. He warned applicants they could face a fine of "$1,000 a day" until a violation is corrected and "you could be fined $20,000 on top of that," and that the village could require removal or sealing of unlawful conversions.
Board members and staff asked clarifying questions about the finished space under a deck, garage uses nearby (141 West Central Avenue) and prior complaints; the building inspector was identified as the official who would determine required safety upgrades before occupancy is permitted. Speaker 2 emphasized the policy is intended to prevent fatalities from unsafe conversions and to ensure the building inspector certifies the space as safe before continued use.
No vote or final permit decision was recorded in the transcript of this meeting; trustees explained the conditions that will govern any special-permit approval and said enforcement history demonstrates the village will act if conditions are violated.
