Resources & Guides
New York City's building regulations are some of the most demanding in the country, and the agencies that enforce them — DOB, FDNY, HPD, LPC, and DEP among them — each operate their own filing systems, deadlines, and code requirements. Our resources library is designed to demystify that landscape for property owners, developers, architects, and managers who need clear, practical answers without wading through dense municipal documentation.
Each guide below is written from the perspective of an expediter who works inside these systems every day. You'll find walkthroughs of DOB NOW filings, plain-English explanations of violation classes and code prefixes, step-by-step instructions for Certificates of Correction, and an overview of FISP façade inspection cycles. We update these pages as agency policies shift so the information stays accurate. If your property is facing an open violation, an upcoming inspection, or a permit hurdle you can't seem to clear, start with the relevant guide and reach out when you're ready to bring in a team that can take it the rest of the way.
What Is a DOB Violation? Complete Guide
A plain-English guide to NYC DOB violations — the three severity classes, how they're issued, common reasons, and what happens if you ignore one.
What Is an ECB Violation? Complete Guide
Understand ECB summonses, penalty structure, default judgments, and the OATH hearing process — plus how ECB differs from DOB.
What Is an FDNY Violation? Complete Guide
The four most-cited FDNY violation categories, penalty exposure, inspection triggers, and consequences for life safety and insurance.
What Is an HPD Violation? Complete Guide
HPD's three severity classes (A, B, C), landlord obligations under the Housing Maintenance Code, and what happens if Class C isn't cured in 24 hours.
What Is a Stop Work Order? Complete Guide
SWOs and vacate orders explained — common triggers, the difference between them, and what happens if you keep working or ignore the order.
Civil Penalty & L2 Waivers Guide
How L2 civil penalties are calculated for work without a permit, when a waiver applies, and what DOB looks for in a successful reduction request.
Correction Affidavit Guide
Sworn affidavits used to certify a violation is corrected — when to use them, who can sign, and how they differ from a Certificate of Correction.
Local Law 97 — Carbon Emissions
NYC's carbon emissions cap on buildings over 25,000 sq ft. Compliance timeline, penalty structure ($268/ton over cap), and paths to compliance.
Certificate of Occupancy Guide
What a CO authorizes, TCO vs Final CO, when a new one is required, the multi-agency sign-off process, and what happens without.
NYC Building Permits Guide
ALT-1, ALT-2, ALT-3, NB, and DM permits explained — when each type applies, filing requirements, and typical process.
What Is a DOB Filing? Filing Process Guide
How DOB filings work — DOB NOW: Build, professional certification vs. plan examination, objections, and permit issuance. NB, ALT-CO, ALT-GC, and PW1 explained.
What Is an FDNY Filing? Fire Dept Filing Guide
When FDNY filings are required — fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe, suppression, and fuel storage — plus the FDNY Business plan-exam and acceptance-test process.
What Is an HPD Filing? Registration & Compliance
Annual property registration, lead paint (LL1/LL31) notices, and window guard filings — deadlines, HPD Online, and what happens if you don't register.
What Is a DOT Filing? Street & Sidewalk Permits
When work in the public right-of-way needs a DOT permit — street openings, sidewalk repair, curb cuts, sheds, and canopies — plus OCMC coordination and HIQA inspections.
What Is a DEP Filing? Water & Sewer Guide
Sewer and water connections, backflow prevention (RPZ), grease traps, and stormwater — how DEP approvals work and why DOB sign-off can depend on them.
OATH Hearing Guide
How OATH hearings work, the four possible outcomes (dismissal, stipulation, judgment, default), and what happens if you skip.
Local Law 152 — Gas Piping Inspections
The 4-year LMP gas piping inspection cycle by community district. Filing deadlines, GPS1 certifications, and $10,000 penalty for non-compliance.
Local Law 84 — Energy Benchmarking
Annual energy and water reporting for buildings over 25,000 sq ft. May 1 deadline, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and the LL33 letter grade posting.
Vacate Order Guide
Full vs. partial vacate orders, DOB/FDNY/HPD authority, tenant relocation obligations, and the path to rescission.
HPD Emergency Repair Program (ERP)
How HPD hires contractors and bills landlords 2–3x market rate for uncorrected Class C violations. The lien process and how to avoid ERP charges.
HPD Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP)
AEP flagging criteria, participation fees, mandatory repairs, and exit requirements for chronically distressed residential buildings.
Change of Use & Change of Occupancy
Converting a building from one use to another. What triggers a new CO, ALT-1 process, and common pitfalls that block conversions.
DOB NOW: NYC's Online Building Portal
Learn how to use NYC's digital platform for filing permits, tracking applications, and searching property records.
Certificate of Correction Filing Guide
Understand what a Certificate of Correction is, when it's required, filing deadlines, and how to avoid rejection.
FISP Façade Inspections (Local Law 11)
Everything you need to know about NYC's mandatory façade inspection program, including Cycle 10 deadlines and compliance.
DOB Violation Classes & Code Types
Complete reference to DOB violation severity classes and all official violation code prefixes — construction, elevator, boiler, façade, and more.
BIS: NYC's Building Information System
How to search NYC's public property database for violations, permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and building records.