So, a silly question; who has the responsibility to obtain a survey to verify that the home meets Montgomery County, city and local housing laws and specifications? The answer is "The Builder". If these people had done some very basic fact checking and work; they wouldn't be in this situation. The laws are enforced equally, and across the board; which is the way things ought to be.
No survey was required because the building is on the same footprint it was on for 82 years. The dispute is about some vindictive neighbors (also lawyers) and how much old wood could be re-used in the remodel.
"The laws are enforced equally, and across the board; which is the way things ought to be."
I really would beg to differ.
http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20051106-112137-2824r.htm
and
http://www.neighborspac.org/code-breaches-a-pattern.htm
[The Civic Federation issued the report after a monthlong study prompted by the widespread violations at Clarksburg, where more than 500 homes in July were found to have been built too high or too close to the road.
Planning Board staffer Wynn Witthans was found to have falsified a site plan last fall to try to cover up the violations. Mrs. Witthans, a 17-year Planning Board employee, resigned in May.
The county inspector general and the state special prosecutor are investigating.
To produce the civic federation's report, about 24 volunteers worked for the past month to collect and copy site plans, building permits and other documents integral to the planning process, Mr. Humphrey said.
Mr. Humphrey said the federation "did not think that an investigation by the county government, which was largely responsible for the problem, would help to restore citizen confidence." ]
Are you serious? The Duffys problem is that their neighbors are a Washington Post reporter, a writer for the New Yorker, and a CBS talking head.
According to the Washington Times story, they SUPPORTED a similar variance request for another neighbor.
Apparently they dont like the Duffys. There was a falling out over the burning issue of overgrown shrubbery.
Nice to know that the reporting of national and world affairs is in the hands of such a mature bunch.