New York, NY —

The city should never have approved the building where the crane collapsed last month because it didn't meet zoning regulations.

That's what the head of the city's Buildings Department, Patricia Lancaster told a City Council committee yesterday. The disclosure came during questioning by Councilmember Jessica Lappin who represents Manhattan's east side:

LAPPIN / LANCASTER:....that means that the community was right that this plan should never have been approved. I just want to understand 100 percent because this is a very important point. I absolutely agree with you. That's correct..wow."]

REPORTER: Lancaster said the case is under review and it's not clear yet how big the building is allowed to be.