All Forum Posts by: Alex T.

@Lynnette E. Thanks for the detailed response! As I mentioned, this is just a theoretical example that mirrors something I am going through. And again, I am writing this scenario as though everything is objectively the same from one alleyway to the next. There are no differences between alley A and alley B. The soil is the same, the plants are the same, there aren't other neighbors, etc., etc. But I get your point! Really, what I'm trying to get at is whether an easement legally is more about the utility of something versus the physical space that the easement occupies...and whether an average judge would view it that way.

@Catherine Emert thanks!

The assumption is that it changes absolutely nothing for property B. So there is no case to be made about property B having a hardship to change the side that they walk on.


This is actually a theoretical example - the predicament I’m in is too complicated to even type up!

I own property A, and I have two identical alleyways, one on each side of my property that lead into the backyard of property B. There currently exists an easement between property A and property B which says that property B is allowed to use the alleyway on the right side of my property for legal egress to property B. Here's my question...

I'm doing work to the property, and I need to change the easement to instead allow property B to use the alleyway on the left side of my property. The owner of property B has the exact same distance to walk, the same conditions, etc - everything is identical except now I want him to walk on the left side of my property versus on the right.

The owner of property B doesn't want the agreement changed and has hired a lawyer to restrain the work that I am doing. If we put this easement in front of a judge, how do you think the judge will rule?

Thanks to all. @John Knisely, unfortunately, TNT does not do total/structural demolition.

@John Knisely Thanks for the rec, I will definitely reach out to them.

My regular demolition contractor is no longer doing complete rowhome demolitions...can anyone recommend a licensed, insured, and competent demolition contractor capable of handling complete demolition of a mid-block rowhome in Center City Philadelphia? Thanks!

@Alyse Oz I agree with Irfan...if dealing with the sub quoting process hasn't gone well so far, imagine what it'll be like when they're actually doing the work. Will they do what you want, will they get the right permits, will they show up on time, etc. It's a lot to keep track of, and if you're already frustrated, I would go the full GC route and just write the checks. The pricing won't be as high as you think if you find a good GC. The margin on GCs is typically like 20%, but they're often using subs that you wouldn't be able to find or get access to and their sub prices will likely be better than subs you're finding online. 

I've paid a lot of money to staging companies, and in many cases, I had their furniture in my property for less than two weeks...and I'm out 2-4k for the staging! You should definitely stage, but if you're reasonably confident about a quick sale, I'd also say try to do it on your own. If you don't want to, perhaps go with a stager and have them just do the living areas and maybe the master...and then you could add cheap accents yourself. I usually use the stager Voila Design. She does hundreds of houses in Philly each year. Good luck!

I'm evaluating a new construction project that I want to add covered parking to. I've spoken to zoning attorneys who assure me that they can get parking approved given the street conditions, but it's presently a 4-5 month process to get zoning approval. Does anyone know if you can submit initial plans without parking, get the permits, and then immediately file an amendment with new plans that include parking?

I realize that submitting two sets of plans is thousands of dollars extra in architectural and permitting fees, but if I could be completely framed out and mostly complete with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. by the time the parking zoning hearing/approval occurs, then it would be worth it.

Anyone heard of someone doing this? If not, any foreseeable issues? Thanks for the insight.

@Bill Plymouth Times are changing! I emailed L&I and got this response: "If the property is not owner-occupied then no EZ Permits will be issued. Plans will be required to be submitted and a 10 business day review will be assigned."

Not a ton of info, but yeah, it seems like EZ permits may be done for developers. 10 business days is a long time to wait for such permits like an EZ Interior demo, an EZ Alteration if you're trying to do something non-structural, or an EZ electrical/mechanical when you're in the middle of the project. I guess you could always change your driver's license to the property address...but if the property is held in an LLC perhaps that eliminates all options.