Why Violations Can't Be Ignored
Open DOB violations are not just administrative nuisances. They accumulate financial penalties over time, appear in public records visible to buyers and lenders, complicate property transactions and refinancing, and — in the case of safety-related violations — create direct legal liability for building owners.
The sooner a violation is addressed, the less it costs. Penalties escalate over time, and unresolved violations from previous years don't disappear — they compound.
Step 1: Check Your Violation Status
Start by auditing what's actually open against your building. You can check through:
- DOB NOW Public Portal (nyc.gov/dobNOW) — search by address
- BIS (Building Information Search) — search by address, block/lot, or BIN
Look for open violations, their issued dates, violation types, and any associated ECB/OATH penalty amounts. Pay special attention to FISP-related violations (non-filing, unsafe conditions) as these carry the steepest penalties.
Step 2: Understand the Violation Type
Different violation types require different resolution paths:
FISP Non-Filing (NRF)
Your building didn't file its facade inspection report by the deadline. Resolution: complete the inspection, file the report, and submit a certificate of correction.
Failure to Maintain
Visible deterioration or safety hazard identified. Resolution: complete required repairs, have them inspected, and file for dismissal.
Work Without Permit
Construction was done without proper DOB permits. Resolution: either obtain an after-the-fact permit or remove the non-compliant work.
ECB/OATH Penalties
Financial penalties issued through the Environmental Control Board. Resolution: attend hearing, enter stipulation, pay penalties, and complete corrective action.
Step 3: Complete the Corrective Action
This is where the actual work happens. Depending on the violation:
- For FISP non-filing: hire a QEWI, complete the facade inspection, and file the report
- For maintenance violations: complete the required structural repairs
- For permit violations: obtain proper permits and have work inspected
- For posting violations: post the required FISP conditions certificate in your lobby
Step 4: File the Certificate of Correction
After completing the corrective work, you must file a Certificate of Correction with the DOB. This document certifies that the condition described in the violation has been corrected. It typically requires:
- Description of the corrective action taken
- Photographs showing the corrected condition
- Professional certification (for FISP-related violations)
- Supporting documentation (permits, inspection reports)
Step 5: Confirm Dismissal
After filing the certificate of correction, the DOB reviews the submission and — if accepted — dismisses the violation. Monitor the status through DOB NOW to confirm the violation shows as resolved. Keep all documentation for your records.
When to Get Professional Help
If you have multiple open violations, violations from previous FISP cycles, or violations requiring physical repairs, working with a firm that handles both violation resolution and construction is significantly more efficient. A single team that can assess the violations, execute the repairs, and file for dismissal eliminates the coordination gaps that cause delays.
ARCONDES provides free violation audits as part of our initial assessment. We'll tell you exactly what's open, what needs to happen, and what it will take to clear it. Contact us to get started.