New York County Courts January 5, 2012 (People v. Grimditch)

*222OPINION OF THE COURT

Richard B. Meyer, J.

The primary question presented in these cases,2 which appears to be one of first impression, is whether an owner of real property or a building contractor can be held criminally liable under Executive Law § 382 (2) solely because they allowed or engaged in construction activities without first obtaining a building permit under the State Uniform Fire