If you own a building in New York City, you’ve probably heard of DOB-ECB violations. But what are they exactly? In short, DOB-ECB violations are issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB) for any building code violations deemed Environmental Control Board (ECB) offenses. Here’s a more detailed look at what that means.

What is an ECB Offense?

There are many ECB offenses, but they can broadly be classified into two categories: construction offenses and general maintenance offenses. Construction offenses include things like illegal demolition or failure to obtain the proper permits for work being done on the property. On the other hand, general maintenance offenses encompass a wide range of potential infractions, from failing to shovel snow in front of the building to have an overflowing dumpster.

What is a DOB Violation?

On the other hand, a DOB violation is issued by the Department of Buildings for any infractions that are not classified as ECB offenses. The most common type of DOB violation is for failure to file the proper paperwork—such as an Annual Fire Safety Report or Certificate of Occupancy—but DOB violations can also be issued for things like illegal construction or failure to maintain the property in accordance with city regulations.

How Are ECB and DOB Violations Handled?

ECB violations must be adjudicated by the Environmental Control Board, a quasi-judicial body that hears cases and issues fines accordingly. On the other hand, DOB violations can be handled by the Environmental Control Board or by the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), depending on the severity of the offense.

Conclusion

Receiving a DOB-ECB violation can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to remember that you have options when handling the violation. If you have any questions about your specific situation, don’t hesitate to contact an All Boro Expediter who can help guide you through the process and protect your rights.