Document: Order|Burgomasters and Schepenen prohibiting the building of houses without proper surveying

WHEREAS it has been found, that in this City of Amsterdam in New Netherland many houses, corners, fences, gates, and other structures are made and erected without the knowledge and approbation of the Surveyors, whereby a great deal of bad building has been done not only to the disadvantage of the public but also to the disreputation of the City,—Therefore to prevent it the Burgomasters and Schepens of this City, in pursuance of former orders, ordain, that nobody shall erect houses, corners, fences, gates, or such like, before first having called the Surveyors to the place and received their survey and approbation, under the penalty formerly fixed. Thus done etc., September 25, 1656.