Department of Buildings
Free DOB violation lookup for any NYC address.
Updated July 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Search any NYC address for DOB violations, stop-work orders, and permit status. Instant results. No account needed.
3 seconds
Average search time
No sign-up
Cancel anytime
~2,100 / mo
Monthly searches
— DOB context
183,400+
DOB violations issued citywide in 2024
Monthly searches
~2,100 / mo
Agency
Department of Buildings
— The 30-second answer
To look up DOB violations on any NYC building, search the address below. The engine resolves it to the building's BIN and returns every open DOB violation, stop-work order, permit, and complaint — including ECB/OATH tickets tied to DOB — in about three seconds, free.
What you'll see
The 6 DOB result categories that matter.
01
Work without permit (WNP)
Construction work performed without a DOB permit on file.
02
Failure to maintain
Building component deteriorated and owner has not addressed it.
03
Stop-work order (full/partial)
DOB halt on construction activity until conditions are resolved.
04
Illegal conversion
Space used for a purpose not permitted by the certificate of occupancy.
05
Failure to file facade report
LL11 FISP sub-cycle filing not submitted on time.
06
Non-compliance with DOB order
Escalation-track violation; prior order was not followed.
Right now
One-time lookup
Run a multi-agency search on any NYC address. Results in 3 seconds. Free, no sign-up, cancel anytime.
- Every open violation at the address
- Class, severity, fine amount where applicable
- Cross-referenced OATH docket status
Always on
Continuous monitoring
The lookup is a snapshot. ViolationWatch is the continuous feed. Add your building and we alert you the moment DOB issues anything against it — in 10–20 minutes, not 30 days.
- Real-time alerts via email, WhatsApp, Slack, SMS
- All 10 agencies at once, not just DOB
- Compliance calendar and local-law deadlines
- $9 per building per month · 7-day trial
Monitor continuously
DOB real-time monitoring
Full coverage of every DOB signal your building produces — not just violations, but complaints, inspections, and deadlines.
Read the guide
Complete DOB guide
Background on how DOB operates, the class structure, fine schedules, and cure paths — written for NYC property operators.
All agencies
Multi-agency lookup
Search DOB, HPD, ECB, OATH, FDNY, 311, DEP, DOH, PRM, DOT at once — the fastest way to see every open signal on a building.
— DOB questions, answered
What New Yorkers ask about DOB violations.
How do I look up DOB violations by address?
Enter the street address in the search box above. It resolves to the building's BIN and returns every open and historical DOB violation, plus stop-work orders, permits, and open complaints. You don't need the BIN, block, or lot number — the address is enough.
What's the difference between BIS and DOB NOW?
BIS is DOB's legacy records system; DOB NOW is where newer filings and violations live. Neither one alone shows the full picture — a complete DOB violation search has to cover both, which is exactly what this lookup does in a single query.
How do I clear a DOB violation?
Correct the underlying condition, then certify the correction with DOB (and resolve any ECB/OATH penalty attached to it). Class 1 violations also require an AEU filing. The violation stays on the building record until DOB accepts the certificate of correction.
Do DOB violations expire?
No. DOB violations remain open on the property record until certified corrected — for years or decades if ignored. Open violations block new permits, certificates of occupancy, refinancing, and sales, and unpaid ECB penalties attached to them accrue interest.
— Stop looking things up manually
Monitor DOB continuously.
One-time lookups are a snapshot. The value is in knowing the moment something new appears. $9 per building per month. 7-day trial.