NYC DOB Violations
A NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) violation is a notice that a property or construction work does not comply with a city law or rule. It identifies a condition that must be corrected. Open DOB violations appear in public property records and can delay a sale or refinance. They can also prevent DOB from issuing a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy or a Letter of Completion. www.nyc.gov
If you received a notice, start with the violation or summons number, the condition cited, and any hearing or correction deadlines. If you only have the property address, use our step-by-step guide to checking for DOB and ECB violations.
The code within a DOB violation number can help you identify the kind of record you’re looking at. Use the description on the notice to see what DOB cited and what needs to be corrected. Types of DOB Violations
Violation type | Example code | What the record concerns |
Boiler | B, BDM, BMD | A boiler-related violation |
C | A construction violation. Work without a permit has a separate code, such as VW. | |
Elevator | E, EIT | An elevator violation. EIT identifies an elevator safety test violation. |
Electric Sign | ES | An electric sign violation |
Local Law | LL5/73, LL11/98 | A violation tied to a specific local law, such as office-building fire safety or façade compliance. |
Multiple Dwelling Violation | MDV | A record classified by DOB as a multiple dwelling violation |
Plumbing Violation | P | A plumbing-related violation |
Sign Violation | S | A sign violation. DOB lists electric sign violations separately under ES. |
Unsafe Building Violation | UB | A record involving an unsafe building condition |
Zoning Violation | ZV | A violation involving NYC zoning requirements |
An asterisk next to the code indicates that the violation was dismissed. For example, V* identifies a dismissed DOB violation. See the official NYC DOB violation code list for additional codes.
The type of notice determines how you respond. For a DOB violation, the issuing DOB unit reviews your proof of correction. For a DOB-issued OATH summons, often called an ECB violation, OATH handles the hearing and any penalty it imposes. DOB separately reviews the Certificate of Correction when certification is required. If you paid an OATH fine and the summons still appears open, check whether DOB has accepted the correction.
For help with hearing dates, fines, default judgments, or a paid summons that still appears open, see our NYC ECB Violations guide.
A DOB violation code identifies the type of record. An OATH summons class identifies the severity of the condition cited. For example, VW identifies a DOB record for work without a permit. If DOB also issued an OATH summons, check the summons itself for its class.
Summons class | What it means |
The condition requires immediate correction. | |
The condition is a major violation. Follow the correction and response instructions on the summons. | |
The condition falls into DOB’s lowest summons severity class. Correction and response requirements still apply. |
If you have a DOB violation: Read the notice and identify the issuing DOB unit. Correct the cited condition and submit proof to that unit. Depending on the violation, correction may involve repairs, a permit, an inspection, or a missing compliance filing. Pay any applicable DOB civil penalties and confirm that the record has been updated. Types of DOB Violations
If you have a DOB-issued OATH summons: Follow the response instructions and attend the hearing if required. Unless OATH dismisses the summons, correct the condition and submit a Certificate of Correction to DOB with the required supporting documents. Check the OATH case status and the DOB correction status separately. www.nyc.gov
If DOB also issued a Stop Work Order or Vacate Order, follow the restrictions in that order. Confirm with DOB that the order has been lifted before resuming affected work or reoccupying the affected area. slkbuildings.com
Get Help With an Open DOB Violation
Have an open NYC DOB violation? SLK Buildings can review the notice and help you determine what’s needed to clear it, whether that involves a permit, an inspection, or proof of correction. Call 212-888-3888 or request a free consultation. Share your property address and violation number so we can discuss the next step.
If you’re dealing with several open records or preparing for a closing, see our Custom DOB Violation Search & Compliance Plan.