What is the worst case scenario regarding a large deck built without a permit?

[sacabeans]

Spend the money on the lawyer and get help moving along the process. You seem to have the means, but not the desire to have it resolved.

[Little Tim]

I believe you may have one extra Zero in that sq. footage but who's counting.

Little Tim, just curious, have you ever read or heard of a book called, "The Millionare Next Door", if not ask about the context. I know a bit off topic, but it's actually a really good book to read.

Oops, don't know how that extra zero snuck in there!

I've heard about that book, but never read it. In this case it looks like the OP could be a UAW who just splurged a lot of money on something that became a depreciating asset due to having failed to properly consider permit risks.

Anyway, I would love to hear why you brought up the book.

[GPS]

Thanks everyone for the kick in the ***** . I was taking it seriously until I took two separate days off work waiting at the permit office and finally got told they won't do anything without the Conservation Authority ok. Then I looked up what is involved in that ( A LOT ) and went away again. I am now back and ready to tackle this. I do not have a family lawyer. This is the first legal issue I've needed to deal with (outside of buying/selling and house) and I did not realize it had to go this far. My next door neighbour is taking it lightly and said they can't do much but fine or put a lien on the house, so I did not take it seriously enough until I read the article about that family's addition. Thanks for the links, that's actually what prompted me to post this thread now.

And Little Tim, I am not filthy rich, but I do well and I work hard for my money. I am not wasteful and just like anyone else out there, I do enjoy a good deal, so I have been on RFD for a number of years. I appreciate the help I've gotten here and I realize there is a diverse group on here from all backgrounds, which is why I wanted everyone's input.

I guess I will have to suck it up and start filing for the C.A. permit now.

[Maymybonneliveforever]

Anyway, I would love to hear why you brought up the book.

PM was sent couple days ago.

My next door neighbour is taking it lightly and said they can't do much but fine or put a lien on the house, so I did not take it seriously enough

Actually, possibly having a lien put on your house should be taken seriously.

[dirtmover]

My next door neighbour is taking it lightly and said they can't do much but fine or put a lien on the house, so I did not take it seriously enough until I read the article about that family's addition.

They'll only put a lien on your home if you owe them money e.g. unpaid fines or if they have to hire a contractor to remove your illegal deck and you refuse to pay. The family in the story built an addition that was larger than the regulations allowed. If everything had been legal and not broken any bylaws a permit could have been issued retroactively.

In your case as long as the deck has been built according to code and does not contravene any bylaws you shouldn't have a problem getting a permit issued retroactively. Don't expect them to just forget about this, however, it won't go away.

[GPS]

This is the OP here. So I got stuck at the Conservation Authority application and did not submit it in time. I now have a summons and a court date in April. At this point, I know it's not going to go away and I know I need professional help. Does anyone know of a very good lawyer that handles residential building permit cases?

[iwells]

Seriously....

I would think the construction company you used should help you out in getting a lawyer. Maybe ask the inspector(s) as well.

Anyway, I must of talked to soo many inspectors before we got our permit for our outdoor structure. Reason why, I didn't want any headache while or after it was built from any neighbours. They all complain but I have proper papers to back it up.

Good luck in finding a lawyer and at your court dates.