How NYC DOB Violations Get Removed, Step by Step
DOB violations are expensive and complicated to deal with on your own, especially if you inherited them with a newly acquired property. Here is what happens after you call us.
Your first penalty may be modest, but violations that are left alone, or that sat ignored before you bought the property, can grow into large penalties and hold up a sale, a refinance or a new permit. This page walks through how removal works. For our service, see DOB, ECB and HPD violation removal.
Step 1: we review the violation
We look over the violation details to find the best course of action, based on whether the condition can be legalized, the time it will take, and the cost. Once we know whether the violation can be removed outright or the penalty kept to the minimum, we explain your options in plain language.
Step 2: cure the condition where the summons allows it
Many violations do not require a hearing. If you have a non-hazardous violation that can be cured on or before the cure date printed on the summons, we can file the certificate of correction so you may avoid the hearing.
Step 3: the OATH hearing, when one is required
Hazardous violations require a hearing. ECB hearings are now held at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). If your violation needs a hearing, one of our permit expeditors can appear for you and present the evidence, either to have the violation dismissed or to resolve it with the lowest penalty available.
Step 4: the certificate of correction
After the hearing, we submit the certificate of correction so the violation is closed on the Department of Buildings record. DOB violations that don't need a hearing are resolved at the borough office or the centralized unit. See how to resolve an ECB violation for the details.
All you have to do is make one call: 718-833-2333, or contact us.