Class 3 Violations in NYC: What Property Owners Must Understand
Class 3 Violations in NYC: What Property Owners Must Know (Non-Hazardous)
STOP WORK ORDER ➜ HOW TO RESOLVE SWO
NYC DOB STOP WORK ORDER VIOLATIONS
HOW TO CHALLENGE ➜ OATH APPEAL
Class 3 violations are the least severe category issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. These non-hazardous violations still affect a building’s compliance status, block permits and Certificates of Occupancy, and appear in public property records.
At SLK Buildings, we help property owners resolve Class 3 violations quickly and correctly—before minor issues become costly setbacks.
🔍 What Are Class 3 Violations?
Class 3 DOB violations are categorized as non-hazardous, meaning they do not pose an immediate threat to life, health, or safety. Instead, they typically involve:
Administrative or technical code breaches
Minor plumbing or signage issues
Outdated or missing required postings
Failure to correct previous low-risk infractions
While these violations won’t trigger emergency enforcement, they still impact property title searches, and buyers, lenders, or DOB reviewers will see them.
🚫 Examples of Class 3 Violations
Class 3 violations vary widely depending on the building type, but common examples include:
Missing or incorrect safety signage (e.g., boiler room signs, elevator certificates)
Failure to post permit or contractor information at job sites
Minor plumbing issues not affecting habitability
Lack of adequate lighting in hallways or stairwells (if not creating an immediate hazard)
Failure to renew façade inspection reports (if no unsafe condition is found)
📌 Do Class 3 Violations Appear on Public Records?
Yes. Class 3 violations are recorded in DOB Building Information System (BIS) and DOB NOW, just like Class 1 and Class 2 violations. They may show as “open” unless formally dismissed or certified as corrected.
Why Choose SLK Buildings? Your New York City DOB and ECB Violations Partner
- Proven Track Record
- Diverse Clientele
- Integrated Services
- Client-Centric Approach
- Registered Representative
Proven Track Record: Over two decades of successful violation resolutions across New York City.
Diverse Clientele: Trusted by a broad spectrum of clients, from individual property owners to large scale developers.
Integrated Services: A one-stop solution encompassing consultation, representation, documentation and compliance support.
Client-Centric Approach: Tailored strategies that prioritized our clients’ unique needs and objectives.
Registered Representative: We are registered with OATH (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings) and familiar with the Rules of Practice for the OATH Hearings Divisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: [❓] What is a Class 3 DOB Violation?
🌸 Class 3 violations are considered non-hazardous land less severe than Class 2, as this is consider as minor infractions.
Q: [❓] Do Class 3 violations require a Certificate of Correction?
🌸 Yes. A Certificate of Correction (Form AEU2) must be submitted to the DOB, along with supporting documentation such as photos, permits, and professional affidavits. Failure to file can result in escalating penalties and enforcement actions.
Q: [❓] Can Class 3 violations be cured without a hearing?
🌸 Yes, many Class 3 violations offer a “cure period,” typically within 40 days. If corrected and certified before the deadline, you may avoid a hearing and civil penalties
Q: [❓] Are Class 3 violations considered hazardous?
🌸 No. Class 3 violations are labeled “non-hazardous” but must still be corrected. Ignoring them can lead to enforcement and fines.
Q: [❓] What is the penalty for ignoring a Class 3 violations?
🌸 While the initial fine is lower (typically $200–$500), late fees and defaults can escalate penalties up to $1,500 or more per violation.
Q: [❓] Can I resolve Class 3 Violations myself?
🌸 In many cases, yes. If the work doesn’t require a permit or licensed professional, you can perform the correction and submit the AEU2 form with supporting documentation.
🧾 Can Class 3 Violations Affect Sales or Refinancing?
Absolutely. Even though they’re not dangerous, Class 3 violations can delay:
Sales closings
Refinancing approvals
DOB permit issuance
Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion
Buyers and attorneys routinely check DOB records. Any “open” violation, even a minor one, may raise red flags and cause delays.
⚒️ How to Remove a Class 3 Violation
Here’s how SLK Buildings helps clients resolve Class 3 violations:
Detailed Review – We check the DOB records and determine if the violation requires certification, dismissal, or correction.
Work Coordination – If work is needed (e.g., signage installation, form submission), we prepare plans or documentation.
Filing and Compliance – We certify correction or apply for dismissal through BIS or DOB NOW systems.
🛠 Note: Some Class 3 violations can be dismissed via a Request for Rescission if issued in error.
📎 Why You Should Still Take Class 3 Seriously
Ignoring Class 3 violations might not result in fines or court hearings—but it can cost time and money later. A single minor infraction can:
Block future DOB filings
Delay refinancing or insurance approvals
Undermine buyer confidence
Accumulate over time and trigger audits
📞 Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you’ve received a Class 3 violation notice, take action before it escalates. SLK Buildings helps you fix the issue, certify correction, and avoid repeat offenses.
📞 Free Consultation
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.