Blog

Compliance guides for NYC contractors - DOB violations, permit tracking, OATH hearings, and 311 monitoring.

DOB 101 for NYC Contractors: Everything You Need to Know in 10 Minutes

The fastest guide to the NYC Department of Buildings for new contractors. BIS vs DOB NOW, how OATH and HPD fit in, and the 5 things to check before bidding any job.

April 2026

You Got a Violation Notice in NYC: What to Do Today, Tomorrow, and Next Week

A step-by-step 72-hour response playbook for contractors who just received an ECB summons, DOB Notice to Correct, or Stop Work Order. Decision tree and cost comparison.

April 2026

Stop Work Order in NYC: Fines, Timeline, and How to Get Back on the Job

An NYC Stop Work Order halts all construction immediately - fines start at $5,000. What triggers one, how to get it lifted, and the real cost of downtime.

March 2026

NYC Contractor License Renewal: Deadlines, Insurance Requirements, and the Mistakes That Cost Thousands

Your NYC contractor license renewal involves 3 insurance policies, strict DOB formatting, and a 5-day processing lag. How to avoid the $130/permit renewal trap.

March 2026

How to Check if a Building Has Open Violations Before Taking a Job in NYC

NYC contractors should check 5 different portals before signing a contract. The step-by-step process - and why most contractors skip it and regret it.

March 2026

311 Complaint Filed Against Your NYC Jobsite: What Happens Next

When someone calls 311 about your NYC jobsite, a DOB inspection follows within days. The timeline, what inspectors look for, and how to prepare.

March 2026

ECB Default Judgment in NYC: How to Vacate, What It Costs, and Why 48% of Contractors Get One

48% of NYC ECB hearings end in default judgments - penalties up to $25,000, property liens, and blocked permits. How to vacate a default and what it costs.

March 2026

DOB NOW vs BIS: Which System Has Your Violations (And Why You Need to Check Both)

NYC split its building records across DOB NOW and BIS. Violations, permits, and complaints live in different systems. Where to find what - and what falls through the cracks.

March 2026

NYC Contractor Insurance Lapse: What Happens to Your Active Permits

One lapsed insurance policy can auto-expire every active permit tied to your NYC contractor license. The cascade, the costs, and how to prevent it.

March 2026

How Long Does a DOB Violation Stay on Your Record in NYC?

NYC DOB violations don’t expire. Open violations stay on your record indefinitely, block permits, and accrue penalties. What contractors need to know.

March 2026

NYC DOB Violation Penalties: $2,500–$25,000 Fines Contractors Need to Know

NYC DOB violation fines range from $2,500 to $25,000. Penalty schedule by violation type, default judgment costs, and how to reduce fines at OATH hearings.

February 2026

Expired Permits in NYC: $130 Per Renewal + Class 1 Fines for Every Jobsite

NYC expired permits cost $130 per renewal plus $2,500–$10,000 in Class 1 fines. How permits expire, the violation cascade, and prevention steps.

February 2026

Missed an OATH Hearing in NYC? Default Penalties Start at $10,000+

48% of NYC OATH hearings end in default - penalties up to $25,000 plus interest. How to vacate a default judgment and what it costs contractors.

February 2026

NYC 311 Complaints: How a Single Call Triggers a DOB Inspection at Your Jobsite

A single 311 call triggers a DOB inspection within 2-10 days. How the complaint pipeline works, inspection priority tiers, and what contractors can do.

February 2026