DOB Violation Resolution
NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
Violation Resolution
Resolve DOB violations in NYC. Expert expediting for work without permit, illegal conversions, FISP non-filing, elevator violations, and more. Same-day case start available.
What DOB Enforces
The NYC Department of Buildings enforces the Building Code, Zoning Resolution, and related laws governing construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings across all five boroughs. DOB violations are issued when a property fails to meet safety standards, lacks required permits, or has unapproved construction work. These violations range from Class 1 (immediately hazardous) to Class 3 (non-hazardous), and unresolved items block new permits, trigger ECB fines, and create liability exposure for property owners.
Common DOB Violations & Fines
Typical fine ranges for the most frequently cited DOB violations across NYC properties.
Work Without Permit
$2,500 - $25,000Any construction, alteration, or demolition performed without the required DOB permit. This includes interior renovations, plumbing work, electrical installations, and structural modifications. The DOB issues violation orders and may issue a Stop Work Order, halting all activity until permits are obtained.
Illegal Conversion
$5,000 - $25,000Converting a building or space to a use not authorized by the Certificate of Occupancy. Common examples include converting basements or garages into apartments, splitting a single-family home into multiple units, or converting commercial space to residential use without approvals.
Expired Boiler Certificate
$1,000 - $5,000All boilers in NYC require annual inspections and current operating certificates. Expired certifications trigger a Class 2 violation and can result in a boiler shutdown order during heating season if not addressed promptly.
FISP / Local Law 11 Non-Filing
$1,000 - $5,000 per yearBuildings 6 stories or taller must have facade inspections every 5 years under the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP). Failure to file the required report results in a violation and potential DOB-ordered probe and repair work at the owner's expense.
Elevator Violations
$1,000 - $10,000Elevator safety violations include expired inspection certificates, defective safety equipment, and failure to perform required Category 1 or Category 5 tests. Serious deficiencies can result in an elevator shutdown until repairs are completed and inspected.
Construction Site Safety
$2,500 - $25,000Violations related to unsafe construction practices, including missing or damaged sidewalk sheds, inadequate fall protection, unsafe scaffolding, and failure to maintain proper safety netting. These are typically Class 1 (immediately hazardous) and carry the highest fines.
How to Resolve DOB Violations
Follow these steps to clear DOB violations from your property record — or call (617) 415-8731 and let ClerkSide handle it for you.
Identify All Open DOB Violations
Run a full violation search on DOB NOW and BIS (Building Information System) to identify every open violation on the property, including Class 1, 2, and 3 items. Cross-reference with any pending ECB fines linked to DOB violations.
Correct the Underlying Condition
Hire a licensed contractor or professional engineer to correct the physical condition cited in the violation. For work-without-permit violations, the corrective work must include filing the required permit application retroactively.
File a Certificate of Correction
Submit a Certificate of Correction through DOB NOW with supporting documentation, including photos, contractor affidavits, and professional certifications. The filing must be done within the timeframe specified on the violation order — typically 30 to 90 days.
Schedule and Pass the DOB Inspection
For Class 1 and Class 2 violations, a DOB inspector must verify the corrective work before the violation can be dismissed. Coordinate with the DOB borough office to schedule the sign-off inspection.
Confirm Violation Dismissal on Record
After the inspection is passed, verify the violation status on BIS and DOB NOW. The status should update to 'V-RESOLVE' or 'COMPLIED.' If it doesn't update within 4-6 weeks, follow up with the DOB borough office.
Timeline & Cost Estimates
Typical Timeline
30 to 120 days depending on violation class and inspection backlog
Estimated Cost Range
$1,500 - $25,000+ including fines, professional fees, and corrective work
Costs and timelines vary based on violation severity, property type, and agency inspection backlog. ClerkSide provides a detailed scope assessment with every engagement — no surprises.
DOB Violations — Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your DOB Violations Resolved
ClerkSide works directly with DOB to clear violations from your property record. Same-day case start available — search your address or call now.
Related Articles
Understanding DOB Safety Violations in New York City
A DOB violation left unresolved doesn't just sit there — it blocks permits, accumulates fines, and creates liability. Here's how the classification system works and exactly what you need to do to close each type.
How to Fix Building Violations in NYC: A Step-by-Step Guide
Fixing the underlying condition is only half the job. Getting the violation closed on the city's records is the other half — and it's the part most owners get wrong. Here's how to do both.
How to Clear a DOB Stop Work Order in NYC
A DOB Stop Work Order shuts down all construction activity on your property immediately. Every day it stays in place costs money — in contractor standby fees, project delays, and compounding fines. Here's how to get it lifted.
How to Prepare for a DOB Inspection in NYC
A DOB inspector is coming to your property. Whether it's scheduled, complaint-driven, or random — here's what they look for, what to have ready, and how to handle the findings.
DOB Violations by Borough
Other Violation Types
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