What is a NYC Stop Work Order?

A NYC Stop Work Order (SWO) is an official order issued by the Department of Buildings that immediately halts all construction work at a property. SWOs are issued for work without permits, unsafe conditions, violations of approved plans, or serious safety hazards. Continuing work after an SWO results in criminal penalties and fines up to $25,000.

How do I get a Stop Work Order lifted?

To lift a Stop Work Order, you must: 1) Address all underlying violations and safety issues, 2) Obtain required permits and approvals, 3) Schedule and pass DOB inspection, 4) Pay all fines and penalties, 5) Submit proof of correction with supporting documentation. The DOB must approve the rescission before work can resume.

What happens if I violate a Stop Work Order?

Violating a Stop Work Order by continuing construction is a criminal offense in NYC. Penalties include fines up to $25,000, daily penalties of $5,000, criminal charges with potential jail time, immediate vacate orders, and permanent revocation of construction privileges. Property owners and contractors can both be held liable.

Why should property owners monitor Stop Work Orders?

Monitoring Stop Work Orders allows property owners to: detect unauthorized work by contractors immediately, prevent project delays and cost overruns, ensure contractor compliance with permits, protect against liability for illegal work, and maintain control over construction timelines and budgets.

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What Are NYC Stop Work Orders?

A NYC Stop Work Order (SWO) is an official enforcement action issued by the Department of Buildings that immediately halts all construction, demolition, or alteration work at a property. Once an SWO is posted on-site, all work must cease immediately, and no construction activity can resume until the DOB formally lifts the order after all underlying issues are resolved.

Stop Work Orders are issued for serious violations including construction without required permits, work that deviates from approved plans, unsafe structural conditions, failure to maintain required safety protections, or work by unlicensed contractors. The DOB issues approximately 8,000 Stop Work Orders annually across NYC's five boroughs. Violations of SWOs carry severe penalties including fines up to $25,000, daily penalties of $5,000, criminal charges, and potential jail time for property owners and contractors.

The financial and legal consequences of Stop Work Orders extend far beyond immediate fines. Projects face extensive delays averaging 3-6 months, financing complications with construction loans going into default, contractor disputes and legal claims, increased insurance costs, and potential project abandonment. Proactive monitoring allows property owners to detect unauthorized work, ensure contractor compliance, and prevent costly enforcement actions before projects are halted.

🚨 Critical Alert

Continuing work after a Stop Work Order is issued is a criminal offense in NYC. Property owners and contractors can face criminal prosecution, fines up to $25,000, daily penalties of $5,000, and up to 6 months in jail. SWO violations also result in immediate vacate orders and permanent bans from obtaining future permits.

Common Reasons for Stop Work Orders

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Work Without Permits

Construction, demolition, or alterations performed without required DOB permits and approvals

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Deviation from Plans

Work that differs from DOB-approved plans and specifications without authorization

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Unsafe Conditions

Structural instability, inadequate shoring, falling hazards, public safety risks

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Unlicensed Contractors

Work performed by contractors without proper NYC licensing and insurance

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Safety Violations

Missing scaffolding, inadequate fall protection, lack of safety equipment

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After-Hours Work

Construction during prohibited hours (typically after 6 PM or weekends) without authorization

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Environmental Hazards

Asbestos disturbance, lead paint violations, improper demolition procedures

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Neighboring Property Damage

Work causing damage to adjacent properties without proper protection and insurance

Types of Stop Work Orders

The DOB issues different types of Stop Work Orders depending on the severity and nature of violations found.

Full Stop Work Order

All construction work must cease immediately at the entire site.

• Work without any required permits
• Immediate danger to public safety
• Structural instability or collapse risk
• Complete deviation from plans
• All work prohibited until lifted

Penalties: Up to $25,000

Plus $5,000 per day for violations

Partial Stop Work Order

Work stops in specific areas or trades while other work may continue.

• Specific trade work without permits
• Localized unsafe conditions
• Work in specific areas only
• Other compliant work can proceed
• Clearly defined scope restrictions

Penalties: Up to $10,000

Scope-specific enforcement

Limited Alteration Application

Work stops pending LAA filing and approval for minor changes to approved plans.

• Minor deviations from plans
• Field condition adjustments needed
• LAA filing required for approval
• Work resumes after LAA approval
• Typically resolved within 30 days

Penalties: $2,500 - $5,000

Administrative correction required

How D.O.B. Guard Monitors Stop Work Orders

Our AI-powered monitoring system provides 24/7 surveillance of NYC DOB databases, delivering instant alerts for Stop Work Orders issued at your properties.

1. Property & Project Tracking

Monitor all your NYC properties and active construction projects with comprehensive SWO tracking.

2. Real-Time Monitoring

Our system monitors DOB databases 24/7 for new Stop Work Orders issued against your addresses.

3. Instant Critical Alerts

Receive immediate emergency notifications when SWOs are issued with violation details and required actions.

4. Resolution Tracking

Track correction progress, inspection schedules, and SWO rescission status for project continuity.

Why Stop Work Order Monitoring Matters

Prevent Project Disasters

• Avoid massive delays: Stop Work Orders halt projects for average 3-6 months while violations are resolved, permits obtained, and inspections passed
• Prevent financing defaults: Construction loan agreements have strict timeline requirements - SWOs trigger default provisions and loan recalls
• Stop contractor disputes: SWOs create liability questions, payment disputes, contract terminations, and costly litigation
• Protect investment: Unresolved SWOs cloud property title, prevent sales, and eliminate refinancing options
• Maintain insurance coverage: SWO violations void construction insurance policies leaving projects unprotected

Ensure Contractor Compliance

• Detect unauthorized work immediately: Know within minutes if contractors are working without proper permits or deviating from plans
• Verify permit compliance: Ensure contractors obtain all required permits before work begins and maintain compliance throughout project
• Prevent subcontractor issues: Monitor for unlicensed subcontractors and unauthorized work that puts property owners at legal risk
• Maintain project control: Real-time alerts give property owners leverage to enforce contract terms and prevent costly overruns
• Protect from liability: Property owners are liable for SWO violations even when caused by contractors - early detection prevents exposure

How to Get a Stop Work Order Lifted

Follow these steps to resolve violations and resume construction after an SWO is issued.

Address Violations

Correct all underlying violations and safety issues that triggered the SWO. Document all corrections with photos and reports.

Obtain Permits

File and obtain all required permits, approvals, and professional certifications from licensed architects and engineers.

Schedule Inspection

Request DOB inspection to verify corrections. Inspector will confirm all violations are resolved and work is code-compliant.

Pay Fines & Resume

Pay all fines and penalties. Submit rescission application. DOB lifts SWO and authorizes work to resume under proper permits.

Official NYC DOB Stop Work Order Resources

Access official NYC Department of Buildings resources for Stop Work Orders and resolution procedures.

Stop Work Orders Portal

Search and view active Stop Work Orders, violation details, and resolution status.

Search SWOs

Rescission Guidelines

Official DOB guidelines for resolving Stop Work Orders and resuming construction.

View Guidelines

Permit Requirements

Complete guide to NYC construction permits and approval requirements.

Permit Guide

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