What are DOB violations in NYC?

DOB violations are official notices issued by the NYC Department of Buildings for building code violations, illegal work, unsafe conditions, expired permits, or lack of required inspections. They are categorized as Class 1 (non-hazardous), Class 2 (hazardous), and Class 3 (immediately hazardous). Violations must be corrected within specified timeframes and certified for removal to avoid fines, penalties, and legal action.

How do I check DOB violations on my property?

Check DOB violations by searching the NYC Department of Buildings BIS database using your property's Block and Lot number or address. DOB Guard provides automated monitoring with real-time alerts whenever new violations are issued, eliminating the need for manual searches and ensuring you never miss critical updates.

How much do DOB violations cost?

DOB violation costs vary by severity: Class 1 violations start at $250-$500, Class 2 violations range from $1,000-$5,000, and Class 3 violations can exceed $5,000-$25,000. Daily penalties accrue if violations remain uncorrected, and ECB hearings may impose additional fines of $5,000-$100,000+ depending on the violation type.

Can DOB violations prevent property sales?

Yes, open DOB violations can prevent or delay property sales, refinancing, and certificate of occupancy approvals. Title companies require violation resolution before closing, and buyers may walk away or negotiate price reductions. Class 2 and Class 3 violations must typically be resolved before completing real estate transactions.

NYC D.O.B. Violations Monitoring

Professional Department of Buildings (D.O.B.) violation monitoring service for NYC properties. Get instant AI-powered alerts for violations, permits, stop work orders, and compliance issues across all five boroughs.

Start Monitoring Now Search DOB Violations

Annual DOB Violations

Avg. Class 1 Fine

24/7

Real-Time Monitoring

0 Min

Alert Response Time

What Are D.O.B. Violations?

NYC Department of Buildings (D.O.B.) violations are official citations issued when properties fail to comply with the New York City Building Code, Zoning Resolution, or other applicable laws and regulations governing construction, occupancy, and building safety.

These violations range from minor administrative issues to immediately hazardous conditions that threaten public safety. D.O.B. violations can result in hefty fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, stop work orders that halt construction projects, and serious legal complications that significantly impact property values, development timelines, and marketability.

The DOB issues approximately 50,000 violations annually across NYC's five boroughs, with Manhattan and Brooklyn accounting for the highest percentage. Understanding and monitoring these violations is crucial for property owners, managers, investors, and developers.

⚠️ Critical Alert

Unresolved D.O.B. violations can prevent property sales, block refinancing applications, halt permit approvals for new projects, and lead to compounding daily fines. Early detection through automated monitoring is crucial to avoid escalating costs and legal complications.

Types of D.O.B. Violations We Monitor

✓

Building Code Violations

Structural defects, fire safety issues, electrical hazards, plumbing violations, and HVAC non-compliance

✓

Zoning Violations

Improper land use, density violations, illegal conversions, and setback violations

✓

Work Without Permits

Unpermitted alterations, renovations, demolitions, and construction work

✓

Certificate of Occupancy Issues

Occupancy without proper approval, C of O violations, and temporary certificate expirations

✓

Façade Inspection Violations

Local Law 11/FISP compliance failures and unsafe exterior conditions

✓

Elevator & Boiler Violations

Safety inspection failures, maintenance violations, and equipment non-compliance

✓

Fire Safety Violations

Sprinkler system failures, emergency exit violations, fire alarm issues, and combustible material storage

✓

Accessibility Violations

ADA compliance issues, handicap access violations, and accessibility retrofit requirements

D.O.B. Violation Classifications

NYC DOB categorizes violations into three classes based on severity and risk to public safety. Understanding these classifications helps prioritize response and allocate resources effectively.

Class 1 - Immediately Hazardous

Violations that pose immediate danger to life or safety requiring urgent correction.

• Structural instability and collapse hazards
• Fire safety hazards and sprinkler failures
• Electrical dangers and live wire exposure
• Gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks
• Unsafe scaffold and construction conditions

Typical Fines: $5,000 - $25,000

Immediate stop work orders issued

Class 2 - Major Violations

Serious violations that must be corrected promptly to ensure compliance.

• Work without proper DOB permits
• Illegal residential conversions
• Zoning non-compliance issues
• Certificate of Occupancy violations
• Façade inspection failures (Local Law 11)

Typical Fines: $1,000 - $10,000

30-60 day correction period

Class 3 - Lesser Violations

Minor violations that still require attention and timely correction.

• Building maintenance issues
• Minor code compliance violations
• Permit documentation deficiencies
• Administrative violations and filing errors
• Record-keeping and signage violations

Typical Fines: $500 - $5,000

90 day correction period

How D.O.B. Guard Monitors Your Properties

Our AI-powered monitoring system provides 24/7 surveillance of NYC DOB databases, delivering instant alerts the moment new violations are issued against your properties.

1. Property Registration

Add your NYC properties to our monitoring system with address verification and BIN validation. Track unlimited properties across all five boroughs.

2. Continuous Scanning

Our system monitors NYC D.O.B. databases, BIS, and DOB NOW 24/7 for new violations, permit updates, and compliance changes.

3. Instant Alerts

Receive immediate email and SMS notifications when violations are detected, with detailed violation information and severity classification.

4. Action Planning

Get detailed violation information, correction timelines, compliance guidance, and recommended next steps to resolve issues quickly.

Why D.O.B. Monitoring Matters for NYC Properties

Financial Protection

• Avoid escalating fines: Early detection prevents daily penalty accrual and compounding violations
• Prevent stop work orders: Keep construction projects on schedule and avoid costly delays
• Protect property values: Maintain marketability and avoid sale disruptions due to open violations
• Ensure financing eligibility: Meet lender requirements for refinancing and mortgages
• Reduce insurance costs: Maintain compliance for favorable insurance rates and coverage

Legal Compliance

• Stay current with building codes: Automatic updates on code changes and new compliance requirements
• Meet disclosure requirements: Fulfill legal obligations for property sales and lease agreements
• Maintain insurance coverage: Ensure compliance for policy validity and claims eligibility
• Avoid tenant disputes: Demonstrate proactive building management and safety compliance
• Protect against liability: Document compliance efforts and maintain detailed violation history

Official NYC DOB Resources

Access official NYC Department of Buildings databases, portals, and regulatory information to research violations and manage compliance.

NYC Building Information System (BIS)

Official D.O.B. database for building records, permits, violations, complaints, and property history. Search by address or BIN.

Visit BIS Portal

D.O.B. NOW Portal

Online platform for permit applications, violation responses, job filings, and compliance documentation. Manage all DOB interactions digitally.

Visit DOB NOW

NYC Building Code

Complete building code regulations, construction standards, zoning resolutions, and compliance requirements for all NYC construction.

View Building Code

Start D.O.B. Violation Monitoring Today

Protect your NYC properties with professional D.O.B. violation monitoring. Early detection saves thousands in fines and prevents costly complications.

Get Started Now View Pricing Plans

Instant setup • Cancel anytime • 24/7 monitoring