Westgard Coy About Code Violations

Thomas J. Westgard is denying that he has done renovation to the interior walls of his office at 6970 N. Sheridan Road. (See "Moore Backer Violating Building Code ") There are hundreds of witnesses who, over the past seven months, have seen the fake stone wall under the front picture windows. The fake stone was plaster and has been removed by Westgard since February 27. Westgard has been seen recently and today with a circular saw and a wooden horse on the sidewalk in front of the office, doing carpentry. He has constructed a chest-high reception counter in the middle of the office.

In a bizarre turn of events, Westgard today posted a comment to one of his own blog posts, a post that had nothing to do with my allegations. He wrote this comment:

"Sorry, Friend, I seem to have lost your comment. But no permit is required if you're painting the walls and building furniture."

The comment is weird because an attorney who specializes in construction law ought to know simple building code. Furthermore, I quoted the rules from the city's own Department of Buildings, which I quote again here, from an FAQ at the DoB's website.

Q: I purchased a building and I'm doing interior remodeling work. Do I still need a permit if no plumbing or electrical work is being done?

A: Yes, permits are required for interior remodeling for the removal of plaster, lath and drywall.

I repeat: Is Alderman Moore covering this clear violation for his new supporter, a supporter with a widely read blog?