How to Resolve a Stop Work Order in NYC

🟥 What Is a DOB Stop Work Order (SWO)?

is a legal directive issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) requiring all work on a site to immediately halt. It’s one of the most serious enforcement actions the DOB can issue.

There are two types:

• Full SWO – All work must stop.
• Partial SWO – Only specific portions of the job are halted.

🛠️ Why DOB Issues Stop Work Orders

SWOs are issued when DOB believes:

• Work is being done without a valid permit
• Construction is unsafe or violates code
• There’s a risk to public safety or property
• A previous violation was ignored or escalated

SWOs may also result from:

• 311 complaints
• DOB inspector walkthroughs
• Referrals from FDNY or DEP
• Unsafe scaffold or excavation conditions

📋 What You Can and Cannot Do

Once an SWO is posted:

• You may NOT continue any construction-related work covered by the order
• You MAY secure the site, remove debris, or perform legally mandated safety measures

Working in violation of a Stop Work Order can lead to:

• Additional Class 1 violations
• Civil penalties up to $10,000 or more
• DOB refusing future permit approvals

📂 How to Lift a Stop Work Order: Step-by-Step

1. Identify the cause – Review the BIS record, violation code, and inspector notes
2. Correct the condition – Secure drawings or reports if needed
3. File the necessary paperwork
   – Often a Work Without a Permit (WWP) application
   – AEU2 for civil penalties
4. Schedule an inspection (or request a reinspection)
5. Obtain a Letter of Rescission from DOB
6. Request permit reinstatement, if applicable

🧱 At SLK, we’ve helped clients lift SWOs in as little as 48 hours by coordinating directly with DOB inspectors, filing through our licensed architectural partner, and eliminating penalty delays.

💸 Civil Penalties and How to Reduce Them

DOB may impose penalties for:

• Illegal Work: Up to $6,000 per offense
• Failure to comply: Additional fines over time
• Repeat infractions: Escalated penalties

SLK Buildings can assist in:

• Reducing or resolving penalties
• Drafting AEU2 and AEU20 forms
• Negotiating with DOB Enforcement Units

📑 Required Forms and Filings

Most Stop Work Orders require:

• AEU2 – Certificate of Correction
• AEU20 – Civil Penalty Waiver or Adjustment
• Work Permit Applications – via BIS or DOB NOW
• Architectural plans – signed by a licensed R.A.

Our team prepares these quickly and files with DOB through Pro-Cert whenever possible.

🧠 What Happens If You Ignore It?

Ignoring an SWO can lead to:

• DOB legal enforcement
• ECB/OATH hearings
• Compounded civil penalties
• Inability to sell or refinance property
• Risk of Vacate Order for life-safety hazards

We’ve seen owners lose months and incur six-figure losses due to delayed action. SLK prevents that.

🏗️ Real Case: [Client type or condition] (Placeholder)

In [Neighborhood], a property received a Full Stop Work Order for unauthorized structural repairs.
We:

• Conducted a site visit within 24 hours
• Coordinated sealed drawings with our architectural partner
• Filed AEU2 and resolved Class 1 within a week
• Obtained permit reinstatement and resumed work legally

📞 How SLK Buildings Can Help

Request help resolving a Stop Work Order

We don’t just explain the process. We take over coordination, prepare drawings, file forms, and handle DOB follow-ups — all through our licensed team.

DOB Stop Work Order

Request Help →
Quiet power in the face of enforcement.

🔗 Related Pages

• Class 1 Violations: Most Severe DOB Orders
• Class 2 Violations: Hazardous but Not Immediately Dangerous
• Class 3 Violations: Low-Priority or Paperwork Issues
• Vacate Orders: What to Do If DOB Requires Immediate Evacuation
• How to Challenge a DOB Violation
• Work Without a Permit: Resolving Illegal Construction Notices
• Façade & Structural Safety Violations

DOB Stop Work Order

These orders are issued by the NYC Department of Buildings when violations, unsafe conditions, or permit issues require immediate halting of work.

Learn more about the full range of enforcement actions, including Vacate Orders and DOB Violations.

You can verify active Stop Work Orders on the NYC Department of Buildings BIS system.