⛔ Stop Work Order Lookup

NYC Stop Work Order Lookup

Check if an NYC property has an active or historical DOB Stop Work Order — instantly, no login required.

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What Is an NYC Stop Work Order?

A Stop Work Order (SWO) is issued by the NYC Department of Buildings when construction or renovation work is found to be unsafe, unpermitted, or in violation of building codes. It immediately halts all work on the property until the violation is corrected and the order is lifted.

Stop work orders are among the most disruptive violations a property can receive — they can halt multi-million dollar projects overnight and carry significant penalties.

Types of Stop Work Orders

Full SWO: Halts all work on the entire building or site
Partial SWO: Halts specific types of work (e.g., electrical, plumbing)
Emergency SWO: Issued without prior notice for imminent hazards

Common SWO Triggers & Penalties

Trigger	Fine Range
Work Without a Permit	$1,000–$10,000
Unsafe Construction Methods	$2,500–$15,000
Violation of Approved Plans	$1,500–$5,000
Work Contrary to Permit	$1,000–$5,000
Continuing After SWO	Up to $25,000

⚠ Continuing work after a Stop Work Order is a criminal offense in NYC.

What Happens After a Stop Work Order Is Issued?

Every hour of work stoppage costs money. Most owners don't know a SWO has been filed until work is already halted.

SWO Posted

DOB inspector posts the Stop Work Order on-site. All work must cease immediately — including work by subcontractors on unrelated trades.

ECB Violation Filed

A companion ECB violation is issued, triggering a financial penalty and an OATH hearing date. Penalties start at $1,000 and escalate.

Resolve the Defect

Owner must correct the underlying issue (obtain permits, fix unsafe conditions, etc.) and schedule a re-inspection with DOB.

SWO Lifted

After re-inspection confirms compliance, DOB issues a "Rescind" notice. Work can resume — but ECB penalties still must be paid.

Continuing work after a Stop Work Order is a criminal offense — carrying fines up to $25,000 and potential arrest.

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Stop Work Order FAQs

How do I get a Stop Work Order lifted? +

You must correct the underlying violation (obtain the missing permit, fix the unsafe condition, etc.), then contact DOB to schedule a re-inspection. After the inspector confirms compliance, they will rescind the SWO. This process typically takes days to weeks.

Can work continue after a Stop Work Order? +

No — all construction activity must stop immediately. The only exception is work required to make the site safe (e.g., shoring up an unstable structure). Continuing non-safety work after a SWO is a criminal offense with fines up to $25,000.

Does a Stop Work Order affect my permits? +

Yes. An active SWO can prevent you from obtaining new permits on the property and may cause existing permits to be suspended. You cannot get a Certificate of Occupancy while a SWO is active.

How long does a Stop Work Order stay on record? +

Permanently — even after it is rescinded. The record shows the original issuance date, the reason, and the resolution date. This appears in title searches and DOB records.

Can a Stop Work Order be issued on a property I just bought? +

Yes. SWOs attach to the property, not the owner. If you purchase a building with an active or unresolved SWO, you inherit the obligation to resolve it. Always check BIS and this lookup tool before purchasing.

How often does this SWO data update? +

DOB sends SWO data to NYC Open Data daily. Results are typically current within 24 hours of a SWO being issued or rescinded.

Also Check These NYC Violation Databases

Stop Work Orders are usually accompanied by DOB violations and ECB fines.

HPD Violations

Housing Preservation & Development — Class A, B & C violations

DOB Violations

Department of Buildings — construction & permit violations

ECB Violations

Environmental Control Board — fines, hearing dates & balance due

OATH Hearings

NYC tribunal hearing dates, status & violation records

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A Stop Work Order Can Halt Your Project Overnight.

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