Partial Stop Work Order in NYC: Limits, Fines & Clearance
Definition: What Is a Partial Stop Work Order issued by NYC DOB
What is a Partial Stop Work Order in NYC? A Partial Stop Work Order (SWO) is a formal enforcement notice issued by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) that halts construction, demolition, or renovation activities at a property. It is not just a warning ~ it is a legally binding order that carries serious consequences if ignored.
If DOB posts a Partial Stop Work Order (SWO), all work must halt immediately. Penalties increased, schedules slip, and lenders get nervous.
Many NYC property owners first hear the term when they receive one, often during surprise inspections or after a neighbor reports suspicious work. The Partial Stop Work Order (PSWO) is posted on-site, visible to tenants, neighbors, or lenders ~ causing not just delays, but reputational and financial stress.
It is unlawful to remove or deface this order unless rescinded by the Commissioner
SLK Buildings resolves Partial Stop Work Orders (SWOs) fast with filings, Certificates of Correction, and DOB re‑inspections ~ filing often approved in 48 hours for urgent cases.
From Queens Brooklyn Fully Attached Houses to Bronx Detached Frame House—We’ve Seen It All.
What Does a Partial Stop Work Order Actually Mean?
Got a Partial Stop Work Order Violation in Brooklyn or Queens? Avoid penalties — SLK Buildings Violation Experts can help. Request a Free Consultation Today
Let SLK Buildings Guide You
At SLK Buildings, we don't just explain what a Partial Stop Work Order is—we help you solve it. We’ll examine the details, contact DOB if needed, and prepare or coordinate any filings. If you’re unsure where to start, just send us a copy of your violation—we’ll tell you exactly what to do. If you prefer not to handle it yourself, we’ll do it for you.
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A Partial Stop Work Order may seem overwhelming, but with expert guidance, it can be resolved faster than you think.
Reading the PARTIAL STOP WORK ORDER (PSWO) Language
- Review scope boundaries carefully.
- Identify which areas or trades are restricted.
🚨 Consequences of Receiving a Partial Stop Work Order
1. Civil Penalties and Fines:
- Penalties vary by Occupancy type (Residential, Commercial or Manufacturing)
- One-family or two-family dwelling: Greater of six times the permit fee or $600, up to $10,000 maximum.
- Other buildings: Greater of 21 times the permit fee or $6,000, up to $15,000 maximum.
- Civil penalties must be resolved before a permit will be issued for unpermitted work.
2. Potential Alteration:
- The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) can require alteration of unpermitted work.
- This process can be costly and significantly delay your project.
3. Safety Concerns:
- Permits ensure work meets building codes and safety standards.
- Unpermitted work can create unsafe conditions, risking injury or worse.
- Improper plumbing or electrical work can be especially hazardous.
In summary: Skipping permits might seem like a shortcut, but the risks — financial, legal, and safety — far outweigh any perceived benefits. Following proper DOB procedures protects your investment and ensures compliance.
What Work Can Continue
- Approved work outside the restricted scope.
- Tasks that do not trigger additional violations.
Need LPC Approval Before DOB Filing?
If your property was or is designated as a landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), the Department of Buildings will not approve your permit filing without an LPC Certificate of No Effect (CNE). SLK Buildings fast-tracks this step — often securing LPC CNE approval in just 24 hours. Recently, we obtained approval for a 30 Main Street Condo apartment interior renovation within one business day, allowing DOB filings to proceed without delay.
Risks of Overstepping
- New violations.
- Higher fines.
- Extended SWO duration.
🚧 Seeking Professional Guidance on Partial Stop Work Order
Given the intricacies of New York City’s Department of Buildings regulations, property owners should seek qualified assistance when facing a Partial Stop Work Order (PSWO). The right guidance can mean the difference between weeks of delay and a swift resolution.
At SLK Buildings, we’ve spent over 25 years helping NYC homeowners, developers, and business owners navigate DOB requirements, file the right paperwork, and remove violations efficiently. Our team understands both the legal framework and the practical steps needed to lift a Stop Work Order — from site inspections and permit filings to coordination with licensed professionals and city agencies.
Whether you’re dealing with an emergency shutdown or a complex project suspension, SLK Buildings provides clear strategies to restore compliance, reduce penalties, and get your project moving again.
SLK Buildings assists Home Owners in dealing with Partial Stop Work Order Violations
- “From Brooklyn brownstones to Queens condos…”
- “Many co-op boards on the Upper West Side face Stop Work Orders due to minor renovations without filings.”
- “We’ve helped contractors in the Bronx legalize unpermitted plumbing and electrical jobs.”
- “SLK Buildings works across Manhattan, Staten Island, and beyond.”
- “Property owners in Forest Hills, Bay Ridge, and Harlem trust our permit consulting services.”
SLK Buildings provides free educational content about Partial Stop Work Order to help property owners understand their options.
For those who prefer professional assistance, we’re available to manage the process on your behalf.