How to Do a DOB/ECB Violations Search (Step-by-Step)
Navigating NYC building compliance begins with one essential task: knowing what violations are tied to your property. Whether you’ve just purchased a building or received a notice, performing a DOB and ECB violations search is the first step toward resolution. This guide walks you through it clearly and efficiently—no confusion, no wasted time.
Understanding what violations exist on your property helps you:
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Avoid surprise penalties
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Plan renovations legally
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Ensure clear title at closing
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Reduce delays in DOB filings
Ignoring even a minor violation can snowball into stop-work orders, lien placements, or failed permits. Awareness is protection.
Learn More:
💎 DOB Violations
💎 Class 1 Violations
💎 Class 2 Violations
💎 Class 3 Violations
💎 How to do a DOB/ECB Violations Search
💎 Get Your Custom Search & Compliance Plan
💎 How to Challenge a DOB Violation
💎 Resolving DOB Violations
💎 DOB Penalty Schedule
💎 Boiler Violation
💎 Elevator Violations
💎 Façade Violations
💎 Sidewalk Violations
💎 Scaffolding Violations
💎 Exploring NYC Building Violations
💎 Understanding NYC Building Violations
💎 Fire Safety Violations
💎 Parking Structure Violations
💎 OATH Summonses
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DOB Violations are issued by the NYC Department of Buildings for code infractions (e.g., unpermitted work, occupancy issues).
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ECB Violations (now under OATH) are issued with monetary penalties and court hearings for non-compliance.
You can receive one or both, and some violations can escalate if not addressed properly.
NYC uses two main portals:
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Building Information System (BIS) for older buildings and legacy records
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DOB NOW for newer filings and post-2016 records
📌 Tip: Search both to ensure nothing is missed.
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Visit BISWeb
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Click “Property Profile Overview”
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Enter house number and street name
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Click the address to open full record
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Review the Violations – DOB and Violations – ECB sections
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Click into each violation number for full details
💡 Look for violation class (A, B, C) and status (Active, Resolved, Dismissed).
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Visit DOB NOW Public Portal
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Enter the property’s borough, house number, and street
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Select the correct property from results
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Click the Violations tab
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Review OATH/ECB summons, violation descriptions, status, and hearing outcomes
📋 If your building has no DOB NOW history, default to BIS.
Each violation includes:
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Violation Number
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Date of issuance
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Issuing officer or agency
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Specific code section violated
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Status: Open, Dismissed, Resolved
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Hearing or compliance dates (for ECB)
SLK Tip: Not all “Resolved” violations are cleared. Some remain on record and may delay future permits.
Violation Search
Old violations from previous owners
Duplicated violations (DOB + ECB)
ERP charges (Emergency Repairs by HPD)
Misclassified units (e.g., illegal conversions)
Unclosed permits linked to violations
Don’t panic—most violations can be corrected, especially with expert guidance.
Contact SLK Building for help on How to Do a DOB/ECB Violations Search (Step-by-Step)
📞 First, take screenshots and save PDFs of all records.
Then:
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Determine if the violation is hazardous (Class 1), major (Class 2), or minor (Class 3)
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Check if the violation is under OATH (ECB hearing required)
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Contact SLK Buildings for an in-depth review and game plan to resolve, dismiss, or negotiate penalties
📂 We’ve helped owners remove 20-year-old violations with zero penalties.
To learn more about violation types and how to fix them, visit:
Coming soon: downloadable PDF checklists for each violation type.
Building violations in NYC are serious ~ but solvable. Doing your own DOB/ECB search is a great start, but interpreting and resolving them requires deeper knowledge.
At SLK Buildings, we’ve cleared hundreds of violations for clients across all boroughs ~ saving them thousands in fines, weeks of project delays, and endless stress.
Got a violation? Don’t guess — get guidance.
SLK Buildings offers confidential consultations to help you understand your options and act fast.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Navigating New York City’s building regulations requires more than a basic understanding of code, it demands experience, precision, and strategic insight. Whether you’re responding to a violation, planning a renovation, or seeking to prevent future issues ~ working with professionals who understand the DOB’s processes can make all the difference.
That’s where firms like SLK Buildings come in, combining technical expertise with a deep familiarity of the city’s evolving regulatory landscape to guide property owners with clarity and confidence.