Confirm which agency issued the notice
DOB oversees construction, building codes, and permits. However, depending on the issue, a notice may come from another city agency, such as one handling housing maintenance, fire safety, or environmental matters. Some violations are adjudicated through a city administrative tribunal rather than by the issuing agency itself.
Check the header of your notice for the agency name and the violation or summons number. That determines where you look up the case and what is required to resolve it.
Common NYC situations
- Work without a permit, including interior renovations and kitchen or bath work
- Stop work orders on active construction
- Facade, elevator, boiler, or other building-system related violations
- Illegal conversions or occupancy that does not match the certificate of occupancy
- Open violations surfacing during a co-op, condo, or house sale
Correcting versus closing
In NYC, physically fixing a condition and getting a violation formally resolved in city records are often separate steps. Resolution may require filing proof of correction or obtaining sign-offs. Contractors and design professionals familiar with NYC filings can explain what your violation type requires; confirm the requirements with the issuing agency.
How to get help
Notice of Violation provides information about building, permit, and code notices. We are not a contractor, a law firm, or a government agency. When you send us your notice and a description of the situation, we review your inquiry.
Before hiring anyone, confirm their license and insurance with the appropriate licensing authority and get the scope of work in writing.
Deadlines remain your responsibility
Response deadlines, hearing dates, and correction periods are set by the issuing authority and printed on the notice. Requesting help does not pause or extend them. If a deadline is close, contact the issuing office directly and consider speaking with a licensed attorney about your options.