New City, NY – A joint investigation by the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC) and the Office of Consumer Protection has led to a significant crackdown on illegal construction activities, resulting in more than $20,000 in penalties for a local landlord and contractors. The investigation, which targeted unauthorized work at a property in Spring Valley, has brought attention to the risks associated with unlicensed construction work and the importance of following county laws.
On Thursday, July 10, OBC inspectors discovered that a residence at 36 Jill Lane in the Village of Spring Valley was undergoing extensive construction without the proper permits. What began as an application for window and siding replacements quickly turned into a full-scale renovation, with the property being illegally converted from a single-family home into a two-family dwelling. The unapproved work included partition walls, a complete gut renovation of the second floor, and substantial electrical, plumbing, framing, and insulation work.
OBC Director Edward Markunas emphasized the importance of ensuring construction work in Rockland County meets the highest safety and legal standards. “Our inspectors are committed to ensuring construction in Rockland County is safe, legal, and held to the highest standard,” said Markunas.
Despite the issuance of a Stop Work Order on the property, further violations occurred. The following day, on July 11, OBC returned to the site and observed contractors continuing to unload materials into the home, disregarding the previously issued order. As a result, the property’s owner, Devorah Landau, is facing 28 violations and a penalty of $18,750.
The investigation also uncovered violations related to unlicensed contractors performing illegal work. The Office of Consumer Protection (CP) was alerted to the situation, and inspectors found that Yisroel Sandel of YMS Home Improvement had hired Nery Estuardo Medina Sandoval to install sheetrock, despite the Stop Work Order being in effect. Furthermore, Sandoval’s vehicle, bearing a Connecticut license plate and lacking proper identification, was impounded for unlicensed home improvement work.
As a consequence, Sandoval received a $3,000 penalty for operating without a valid home improvement license. Additionally, Sandel and his business, YMS Home Improvement, were hit with $5,000 in fines for employing unlicensed subcontractors and violating the Stop Work Order.
Kimberly Von Ronn, Director of the Office of Consumer Protection, emphasized the risks of unlicensed contractors. “Unlicensed contractors put the safety of residents and the integrity of our housing stock at serious risk, and that’s why anyone working in Rockland County must be properly licensed and insured—no exceptions,” Von Ronn said.
While Sandoval has paid the fine and towing fees to retrieve his vehicle, Yisroel Sandel and YMS Home Improvement are scheduled to appear before the Home Improvement Licensing Board, where the potential suspension or revocation of their licenses will be considered.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of following building codes, securing the proper permits, and hiring licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance with local laws.