NYC DOB Violation Codes
NYC DOB violation codes identify the specific building code section that was violated. Understanding these codes helps property owners, managers, and tenants know the severity of a violation and what corrective action is required.
How DOB Violation Codes Are Structured
Each DOB violation has a violation number and a violation type code. The violation number uniquely identifies the violation, while the type code indicates the category of infraction. Violations with an asterisk (*) in the number are closed. Open violations require corrective action.
Common DOB Violation Types
| Code | Description | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| AEUHAZ1 | Immediately Hazardous — Elevator | Elevator operating without valid inspection or with safety deficiencies |
| AESSION | Administrative — No Session | Work performed without required DOB session or job filing |
| ACC1 | Administrative Code — Class 1 | Immediately hazardous condition found during inspection |
| COMPBLD | Complaint-Based — Building | DOB inspection triggered by a complaint about building conditions |
| LL6291 | Local Law 62/91 — Elevator Safety | Failure to comply with elevator periodic testing requirements |
| LL1098 | Local Law 10/98 — Facade Inspection (FISP) | Failure to file facade inspection report or unsafe facade condition |
| LL1104 | Local Law 11/04 — Facade Inspection | Updated facade inspection requirements, superseding earlier laws |
| JVCAT5 | Elevator Category 5 Test | Failure to perform or file Category 5 (five-year) elevator test |
| BLVIO | Boiler Violation | Boiler operating without inspection or with safety deficiencies |
| UB | Unsafe Building | Building declared structurally unsafe or posing imminent danger |
| IMEGNCY | Immediate Emergency | Condition requiring emergency response — partial collapse, gas leak, etc. |
| NM | No Permit / Work Without Permit | Construction or alteration work performed without a valid DOB permit |
| FISP | Facade Inspection Safety Program | Building over 6 stories failed to file required facade inspection |
| HBLVIO | High-Pressure Boiler Violation | High-pressure boiler operating unsafely or without valid certification |
| P | Plumbing | Plumbing code violation — unlicensed work, backflow prevention failure |
DOB ECB Violation Severity Classes
When a DOB violation is referred to ECB (Environmental Control Board), it receives a severity classification:
- Class 1 — Immediately Hazardous: Conditions posing immediate danger to life or safety. Requires immediate correction. Highest fines.
- Class 2 — Hazardous: Conditions that are hazardous but not immediately life-threatening. Must be corrected within a specified timeframe.
- Class 3 — Non-Hazardous: Code violations that do not pose a safety risk. Lower fines, longer correction timeline.
How to Look Up DOB Violation Codes for Your Building
Use our free DOB violation search to look up all violations for any NYC building by address. The results include the violation ID, type code, issue date, description, severity, and current status (open or closed). You can also view ECB violations and HPD violations in the same search.
What to Do When You Find a DOB Violation
If your building has open DOB violations, you should:
- Identify the violation code and understand what condition it refers to
- Correct the condition — hire a licensed contractor if needed
- Request a re-inspection from DOB or attend the ECB hearing
- Read our guide on how to remove DOB violations for step-by-step instructions