NYC DOB Violations: The Complete 2025 Guide for Property Owners

NYC DOB violations can cost property owners thousands in fines and create serious legal complications. In 2024 alone, the Department of Buildings issued over 450,000 violations across NYC, with penalties ranging from $500 to $25,000+ per violation. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about DOB violations in 2025.

Understanding DOB Violation Classes

NYC DOB classifies violations into three categories based on severity:

Class 1 Violations (Most Severe)

Examples: Illegal construction, structural instability, work without permit, no elevator inspection certificate

Penalties: $2,500–$25,000+ per violation

Consequences: Stop Work Orders, criminal charges, building closure

Class 2 Violations (Hazardous)

Examples: Failure to maintain building facade, missing fire safety equipment, elevator safety issues

Penalties: $1,000–$10,000 per violation

Consequences: ECB summons, mandatory corrections within 30 days

Class 3 Violations (Lesser)

Examples: Missing posted permits, incomplete paperwork, minor code violations

Penalties: $250–$2,500 per violation

Consequences: Correction required, fines if not resolved

Most Common DOB Violations in 2025

Work Without Permit (WWP): 47% of all violations. Always file permits before starting construction.
Expired Permits: Permits must be renewed annually. Expired permits trigger automatic violations.
Facade Violations (LL 11/FISP): Buildings over 6 stories must file facade inspection reports every 5 years.
Elevator Violations: Missing annual inspections or Category 1 tests.
Illegal Apartment Conversions: Basement apartments, SRO subdivisions without DOB approval.

DOB Violation Correction Process

Step 1: Receive Notice

DOB mails violation notices within 7-14 days. Check DOB NOW and BIS regularly to catch violations early.

Step 2: Review Violation Details

Log into DOB NOW to view: violation class, description, correction deadline, penalty amount, and inspector notes.

Step 3: Correct the Violation

Hire licensed contractors as required. Obtain permits if needed. Document all work with photos and invoices.

Step 4: Certify Correction

File "Certification of Correction" in DOB NOW with supporting documents (photos, invoices, permits).

Step 5: DOB Re-Inspection

DOB may schedule re-inspection to verify correction. Provide access immediately.

Step 6: Violation Dismissed

Once verified, violation is dismissed. If not corrected by deadline, ECB summons is issued.

ECB/OATH Hearings for DOB Violations

If violations aren't corrected by deadline, DOB refers the case to the Environmental Control Board (ECB) for civil penalties. You'll receive an OATH hearing summons.

What to do:

Respond within 40-60 days (deadline on summons)
Gather evidence: photos, invoices, permits, inspection reports
Request hearing or pay fine online
If violation was corrected before hearing, request 50% penalty reduction

For detailed guidance, read our complete ECB/OATH hearing guide.

How to Avoid DOB Violations

1. Always File Permits

Even minor work requires permits: electrical, plumbing, facade repairs, structural changes. Check NYC permit types guide.

2. Track Deadlines

Use D.O.B. Guard to monitor: permit expiration dates, FISP filing deadlines, elevator inspection due dates, annual boiler inspections.

3. Conduct Regular Inspections

Quarterly property inspections catch issues before DOB does. Focus on: facade condition, fire safety equipment, elevator operation, egress paths.

4. Respond to 311 Complaints Immediately

68% of DOB violations originate from 311 complaints. Read our guide on 311 complaints that become violations.

5. Hire Licensed Contractors

Verify contractor licenses in DOB NOW. Unlicensed work results in automatic violations.

Penalties and Fines (2025)

Violation Type	Base Fine	Per-Diem Penalty
Work Without Permit	$2,500–$25,000	$500/day
Facade Unsafe (LL 11)	$1,000–$5,000	$250/month
Elevator Violations	$500–$2,500	$100/day
Illegal Conversion	$1,000–$5,000	$1,000/month
Expired Permit	$500–$2,000	$250/month

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my property has DOB violations?

Search by address in DOB NOW or BIS. Or use D.O.B. Guard's violation lookup to search all databases at once.

What happens if I ignore a DOB violation?

Unpaid violations result in: ECB summons with doubled fines, property liens, permit blocks, and potential building closure.

Can I dispute a DOB violation?

Yes. Request an OATH hearing within 40-60 days. Bring evidence (photos, permits, invoices) to prove compliance or inspector error.

How long does it take to dismiss a violation?

After filing Certification of Correction: 30-60 days for DOB to process. If re-inspection is required: 60-90 days.

Related Resources

Last updated: October 2025. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.