ECB Violations

Know What Your ECB Ticket Actually Means.

NYC’s ECB system spans multiple databases. This guide shows you where to search, how to read the status you find, and what to do when the result requires action.

MWBE Certified
All 5 Boroughs
ECB · DOB · HPD · DOT · FDNY
Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM

3 Places ECB Tickets Can Appear

ECB tickets don’t live in one place. Each system updates on its own timeline — which is why a ticket can look open in one portal and closed in another.

1

OATH Violations Portal

Start here. OATH handles civil penalty hearings and is the primary record for ECB ticket status. Search by violation number, property address, or block and lot.

  • Confirms open, heard, or defaulted status
  • Shows civil penalty amount
  • Lists hearing dates and outcomes

Search OATH →

2

DOB Buildings Information System

Cross-check here for violations issued by the Department of Buildings. DOB BIS shows the underlying condition, open permits, and inspection history.

  • Physical violation record
  • Open permits and sign-offs
  • Certificate of Correction status

Search DOB BIS →

3

HPD Online (Residential)

For multi-family and residential properties, some violations also appear in HPD records. Not all ECB tickets show here, but it provides useful context.

  • Housing condition violations
  • Property registrations
  • Ongoing compliance status

Search HPD →

Why results differ across systems: Correcting a physical condition and clearing the ECB violation are two separate steps. DOB may show work completed while the ECB penalty is still open. Each agency closes its records independently.

How to Look Up an ECB Ticket in NYC

Watch Valerie walk through the exact steps — which portals to use, what to look for, and how to interpret what you’re seeing.

What Every ECB Ticket Status Means

When you search OATH, you’ll see a status next to your summons. Here’s exactly what each one means — and what it requires.

New Issuance

The summons has been issued and the first hearing date is scheduled. No hearing has occurred yet. You still have time to appear and contest or resolve.

Rescheduled

The hearing date was moved at the request of either party. Each side is entitled to one automatic reschedule. A new date will be assigned.

Assigned

A hearing has occurred and the case is awaiting a decision from the administrative law judge. The outcome is pending.

Hearing Completed

A hearing was held and a decision has been rendered. Review the decision carefully — it will state the penalty amount and any compliance requirements.

Defaulted

The respondent did not appear and did not pay before the hearing date. The fine is automatically imposed and may be higher than the original amount. A motion to reopen may be possible but is not guaranteed.

Docketed

The judgment remains unpaid more than 60 days after the hearing. It has been entered as a civil judgment in NYC Civil Court. The Department of Finance now has jurisdiction over collection — and it can become a lien.

Appeal Decision Rendered

A hearing decision was appealed and the appeal has been decided. Review the appeal decision to understand the current penalty status and next steps.

Cured

The enforcement agency indicates the violating condition was corrected prior to further action. Note: penalties may still apply depending on where the case stood when the cure was acknowledged.

Paid in Full

All penalties associated with the summons have been satisfied. The financial obligation is resolved. Verify the corresponding DOB or HPD record is also closed.

Written Off

The summons has been written off and no payment is due. This is typically issued for administrative reasons — the violation is no longer actively enforced.

ECB Ticket Finder — FAQ

No. The Environmental Control Board (ECB) is not the same as the Department of Buildings (DOB). DOB issues building-related violations, but ECB is the hearing and enforcement body that handles the civil penalties attached to violations issued by DOB, FDNY, Sanitation, and other agencies. A violation often starts with DOB but ends up with ECB once a hearing, fine, or penalty is involved. That’s why the same issue may appear in multiple systems — each agency plays a different role.

ECB tickets are most commonly found through the OATH portal at a836-citypay.nyc.gov. You can search by ECB violation number, property address, or block and lot. Related information may also appear in DOB BIS or HPD Online depending on which agency issued the violation. Because each system updates on a different timeline, it’s common for a ticket to appear in one portal before it shows in another.

A ticket is marked defaulted when a required hearing was missed or no response was submitted by the deadline. When a violation goes into default, the fine is automatically imposed, penalties may increase, and interest can begin accruing. A default doesn’t mean the situation is unfixable, but it usually means the process becomes more complicated and time-sensitive — and a motion to vacate the default is not automatically granted.

In some cases, yes. Simple violations may be resolved by correcting the condition, submitting proper documentation, and attending hearings on time. However, once a violation is defaulted, involves multiple agencies, or is tied to a sale, refinance, or stop-work order, the process often requires professional guidance to avoid delays or additional penalties.

This is one of the most common points of confusion. Correcting the physical condition and clearing the ECB violation are two separate steps. Even after repairs are made, civil penalties may still be owed — especially if a hearing has already taken place or the violation went into default. Until both the correction and the penalty are properly addressed through the appropriate filings, the violation may remain open on record.

When a Lookup Turns Into a Problem That Needs Solving

Searching is the first step. If what you find shows a default, a growing penalty, a docketed judgment, or a deadline tied to a closing — that’s where All Boro Expediter comes in.

ECB

ECB Violation Removal

Civil penalties, default judgments, OATH hearings. We represent property owners and work to reduce or eliminate the fine.

Learn more

OATH

Expedited Withdrawals

When a violation goes to a hearing, how you respond determines the penalty. We pursue withdrawal where possible and prepare strong hearing appearances.

Learn more

DOB

DOB Violation Removal

If the underlying DOB violation is still open, we handle the correction documentation and Certificate of Correction filings to close both records.

Learn more

Not Sure What Your Search Results Mean?

We review ECB tickets every day. If something looks wrong or you’re not sure what action is required, call us — we’ll tell you exactly where you stand.

718-374-5044
Get a Free Consultation

Monday–Friday 9AM–5PM · Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island

Save Thousands with These Expert Tips!

Your Essential Cheat Sheet for Success when dealing with the NYC DOB, FDNY and other agencies.