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Querying DOB Violations database
DOB records
Search NYC DOB violations
Look up Department of Buildings violation records by house number, street, and borough. This search does not start monitoring. DOBGuard is not affiliated with NYC DOB.
Powered by NYC Open Data (DOB Violations) · Updated daily
DOB Violation Categories
Class 1 — Immediately Hazardous
Violations that pose an immediate danger to life or safety. Must be corrected within 21 days.
- • Structural instability
- • Fire safety failures
- • Electrical hazards
- • Unsafe scaffolding
Class 2 — Major
Serious violations requiring prompt correction. Must be corrected within 30 days.
- • Work without permits
- • Illegal conversions
- • Zoning violations
- • Certificate of Occupancy issues
Class 3 — Minor
Non-hazardous violations with lower urgency. Must be corrected within 40 days.
- • Record-keeping issues
- • Minor administrative failures
- • Documentation deficiencies
- • Signage violations
Why Open DOB Violations Are a Problem
- ⚠ Unresolved violations block new permit applications
- ⚠ Can prevent property sales and refinancing
- ⚠ Accumulate ECB fines that become tax liens
- ⚠ Stop Work Orders halt all construction immediately
- ⚠ Class 1 violations can lead to vacate orders
- ⚠ Ignored violations escalate to criminal charges
What Happens After a DOB Violation Is Issued?
Open DOB violations block permits and refinancing — and most owners find out too late.
Violation Filed
DOB inspector files the violation. It becomes a public record tied to the property's BIS (Buildings Information System) record immediately.
Cure Period Begins
Owner has 21 days (Class 1), 30 days (Class 2), or 40 days (Class 3) to certify correction. Work must be completed and documented.
Permit Blocks Activate
Uncured violations are flagged. DOB will deny new permit applications on the property until violations are resolved.
ECB / OATH Referral
Violations referred to OATH as ECB violations — triggering financial penalties on top of the correction requirement.
Open DOB violations block permit applications and appear on title reports — both can derail sales, refinancing, and construction projects.
Monitor Your Properties →DOB Violation FAQs
How do I cure a DOB violation? +
Hire a licensed contractor to correct the issue, then file a Certificate of Correction (C of C) with DOB. For some violations you also need a licensed professional to certify the correction. Check BIS for the specific requirements on each violation.
Can DOB violations stop me from getting permits? +
Yes. Open Class 1 and Class 2 DOB violations will block new permit applications on the property. Permits will not be issued until violations are certified corrected.
Do DOB violations affect property sales? +
Absolutely. Open violations appear in title searches. Buyers, attorneys, and lenders review BIS records. Unresolved violations must typically be cleared before closing or escrowed.
What is the difference between a DOB violation and an ECB violation? +
A DOB violation is a corrective notice requiring you to fix a code issue. An ECB violation is the associated financial penalty, which goes through OATH adjudication. Many DOB violations generate companion ECB violations.
How long does it take to clear a DOB violation? +
Simple violations can be cleared in weeks with a licensed contractor and proper paperwork. Complex structural or illegal conversion violations can take months and require multiple inspections and filings.
How often does the DOB violation database update? +
DOB sends data to NYC Open Data daily. This tool queries that live dataset — results are typically current within 24 hours of a violation being filed or updated.
Also Check These NYC Violation Databases
DOB violations often come paired with ECB fines — and can generate Stop Work Orders.
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