What To Do When You Get A Building Violation
October 01, 2024
Discovering that you've received a building violation in New York City can be a daunting experience. Whether it’s your first time receiving a violation from a NYC agency or you’re familiar with the process, navigating each violation’s unique challenges is crucial.
This article offers a clear overview of the steps involved in resolving a building violation, specifically plumbing and boiler violations.
We’ll explore key aspects, including:
- What is a Building Violation?
- Different types of Boiler and Plumbing Violations
- Immediate Steps to Take After Receiving a Violation
- Choosing the Right Professional to Resolve Your Violation
Continue reading to learn how to manage and rectify the various types of plumbing and boiler violations that can occur in NYC.
Did Your NYC Building or Home Get a Plumbing or Boiler Violation? Call Ranshaw!
Contact Ranshaw today for help when you need violation removal service in Queens and the NYC area. We are licensed NYC master plumbers with extensive experience resolving all types of plumbing and boiler violations in both commercial and residential properties.
What Is a Building Violation?
A building violation in New York City can be issued by one of the various city regulatory agencies, including the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Violations (HPD) and the Environmental Control Board (ECB). Violations are issued when a property is found not to comply with various regulatory standards that govern buildings in the city. These standards are designed to ensure safety, health, and compliance with zoning and environmental laws. Violations can be identified through routine inspections, complaints filed by the public, or assessments conducted by city officials for other purposes.
Types of Boiler and Plumbing Violations
Boiler Violations
Common boiler violations issued in the NYC area include:
Failure to file annual boiler inspection report – Certain buildings are required to have an NYC annual boiler inspection performed every year. Failure to have your annual inspection done or inspection report filed within 15 days of the inspection can result in a violation and fines imposed by the DOB.
Failure to correct boiler defects – If defects are found during an annual boiler inspection, repairs must be made within 90 days of the initial inspection date. If not, the building owner can be subject to DOB violations and fines.
Unregistered Boiler – Boilers over 350,000 BTUs need to be registered with the DOB and must have the registration renewed every 3 years with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Failing to have the registration renewed will result in a violation issued by the DEP.
Plumbing Violations
Common plumbing violations issued in the NYC area include:
Backflow Violation – If your building has a backflow device, it must be tested/inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) every year and filed with the DEP.
Illegal Bathroom - Adding a bathroom to the basement of an existing property is considered illegal if no architectural plans exist and the work was not filed, and the DOB sign-off was not received.
Work without permit – Any plumbing work that involves installing/altering/relocating domestic water, waste, or gas piping requires a permit to be filed with the DOB.
Immediate Steps After Receiving a Violation
Receiving a building violation can have significant implications for property owners. Apart from the potential safety risks, violations can lead to fines and penalties and may even impact the ability to sell or lease the property. In extreme cases, severe violations can result in legal action or mandatory vacating of the premises until the issues are resolved.
Quick action is crucial when you receive a building violation notice in New York City.
Here's what to do immediately:
- Read and Understand Your Violation Notice: Thoroughly review the notice to understand the specific non-compliance issues, which building codes have been violated, and where the problem is located on your property.
- Act Quickly: Adhere to the deadlines specified in the notice to avoid further penalties or legal issues. Ignoring violation notices can result in additional fines or a more complicated process to resolve and clear the violation.
- Document Everything: Take photos (if applicable) and detailed notes of the cited area or issue for future reference, especially if disputes arise or repairs are needed.
Choosing the Right Help for Building Violation Issue
Selecting the right professional is crucial when dealing with building violations in New York City. Choose professionals who understand NYC building codes, local regulations, and compliance requirements. Ensure that these professionals are properly licensed and accredited, which is necessary for legal filings and demonstrates their proficiency in handling complex issues.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of building violations, the responsiveness and availability of your chosen professional are vital, as delays can lead to heavier fines or harsher penalties. Furthermore, an experienced building violation removal provider can help you learn how to avoid future violations, saving you time and money.
Some violations can be cleared with a site inspection by a licensed professional and filing with the agency that issued the violation. For plumbing violations that require corrective work/alterations, here is how the violation removal process will usually unfold:
- Develop a Correction Plan: A licensed plumbing contractor will draft a plan that includes timelines, costs, and steps to correct the violation.
- Secure any necessary permits (if required): Your licensed professional will engage with the DOB to file for any necessary permits needed before work can begin.
- Schedule and Perform Repairs: Carry out all repairs or modifications needed to remove the violation and meet compliance standards.
- File Paperwork and Arrange for Re-Inspection: Once repairs are completed, reports must be submitted to the issuing agency documenting the corrections and in many cases, a follow-up inspection needs to be coordinated to ensure the work complies with city standards and to officially resolve the violation.
Turn to Ranshaw for Reliable Building Violation Removal
Ensure compliance before it costs you more in penalties with help from Ranshaw. We have 60+ years of experience and a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Google, so you can feel confident when you contact us for violation removal service in Queens, NY.