How to file corrections for NYC violations

Every NYC agency has its own correction-filing workflow. Get the order of operations wrong and the violation stays on your record even after the underlying condition is fixed. This is the playbook for closing a violation cleanly across DOB, ECB/OATH, HPD, and FDNY.

DOB violations

DOB is the most common agency. Violations close via DOB NOW after a trade-licensed pro files the corrective inspection or paperwork.

1. Identify the violation type

   Pull the violation in DOB NOW: a810-dobnow.nyc.gov. The violation_type_code (A, B, C, E, J, L, V, Z) determines which trade you need.

2. Hire the right licensed pro

   Each violation type has a specific discipline that can close it. Boiler (B / AEUHAZ1) → Licensed Master Plumber. Elevator (A) → Qualified Elevator Inspector. Facade (J) → QEWI. Work without permit (C) → expediter + GC + design professional.

3. Effect the cure

   Either physically remediate or file the missing paperwork. For paperwork-only (most boiler/elevator violations) the trade does the inspection and files electronically. For physical conditions, the trade documents the corrected state with photos.

4. File the corrective filing in DOB NOW

   Boiler: LL62/91 inspection report. Elevator: ACP-7. Facade: TR6. Construction: amended permit or work-without-permit legalization. Each form is electronic now — paper filings are obsolete.

5. Pay accrued civil penalty

   Civil penalty doesn't go away when the underlying violation closes. Pay via DOB NOW. Until paid, you can't pull new permits at the same property.

6. Verify status flips

   Within 5–10 business days, the violation should show "RESOLVED" in DOB NOW. If it doesn't, the closing filing didn't link properly — contact DOB's Civil Penalty Unit.

ECB / OATH summonses

ECB violations are DOB violations that escalated to a summons returnable at OATH (the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings). Closing process is different — you must either appear at the hearing or settle in advance.

1. Note the hearing date

   On the summons. Default judgment if you miss it.

2. Decide: settle or contest

   Settle early via OATH's online settlement system for typically 50% of the proposed penalty — only available BEFORE the hearing date. Contest if you have a genuine defense (the work was permitted, the inspector was wrong, you've since cured).

3. Effect the cure (before hearing)

   Show up at the hearing with photos and a sworn statement documenting the cured condition. Hearing officers reduce penalties significantly when cured-condition proof is presented.

4. Pay or appeal

   If found in violation, pay penalty via OATH or DOF Civil Penalty Payment system. Appeals within 30 days of decision.

HPD violations

HPD violations have hard cure deadlines built into the class: Class A = 90 days, Class B = 30 days, Class C = 24 hours. You self-certify the cure online; HPD may re-inspect.

1. Effect the cure within the deadline

   Class C in particular — the city can dispatch its Emergency Repair Program (ERP) crew at owner expense if you miss the 24-hour window. ERP bills are 2–4× market rate.

2. File the electronic certification

   Through HPD's eCertification system (hpdonline.nyc.gov) with timestamped photos of cured condition. Done within the cure window.

3. HPD re-inspection

   HPD may visit to confirm cure. Pass = closed. Fail = re-opened + civil penalty + new cure window.

4. Dispute any ERP bills

   If HPD dispatched ERP before your cure was certified, you can dispute the bill via HPD's online portal. Bring your timestamped cure photos.

FDNY violations

FDNY violations close via re-inspection or written certification by a licensed fire-protection contractor.

1. Identify the cited system

   Most FDNY violations relate to fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe, kitchen exhaust, or means of egress. The violation describes which system and which deficiency.

2. Engage the right licensed contractor

   Fire alarm: S-95 / S-98 licensed company. Sprinkler: S-12 licensed contractor. Kitchen hood: NFPA-96 certified cleaning company.

3. Restore the system

   Repair, replace, or recharge. Document with photos and test results.

4. File the test/inspection report

   Fire alarm: FDNY annual test report (form A-2). Sprinkler: backflow / wet pipe inspection. The contractor files electronically via FDNY's Business portal.

5. Pay any OATH penalty

   Some FDNY violations carry parallel OATH summonses for the penalty side. Pay through OATH.