Types of violations owners see
DOB violations are issued by the Department of Buildings for conditions that don't comply with construction codes or zoning rules. ECB violations, heard at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), are civil violations that come with a hearing and can carry penalties. Some properties have both, sometimes together with a stop work order.
Your notice is the official word on what was cited and what you need to do. Read it carefully and follow its instructions and deadlines.
What TKO does, and what we don't
We help with
- Reviewing the violation and the conditions at the property with you
- Planning and performing the corrective work
- Coordinating architect drawings and permit filings when the fix requires them
- Coordinating electrical and plumbing permits with the required licensed trades
- Organizing photos and paperwork showing the work was corrected
We don't
- Give legal advice
- Represent owners at OATH hearings
- Act on behalf of DOB or any City agency
- Promise outcomes, penalty amounts, or timelines
Why fixing the underlying problem matters
A violation usually can't be resolved on paper alone. The condition has to actually be corrected, and often permits must be obtained or work must be legalized. That is the practical, on-site part of the process, and it's what TKO does.
Frequently asked questions
Will TKO represent me at an OATH hearing?
No. TKO is a contractor, not a law firm, and we do not represent owners at hearings. We help correct the underlying work and permit issues. For hearings and legal questions, speak with an attorney or a qualified representative.
What's the difference between a DOB violation and an ECB violation?
In general terms, DOB violations note conditions that must be corrected, while ECB violations are civil violations that carry a hearing at OATH and possible penalties. The notice you received will say which kind it is and what to do next.
Can you tell me how much I'll be fined?
No. We don't estimate fines or penalties. Your violation notice and the relevant agency are the official sources for that information.