Certificate of Correction
A Certificate of Correction is a document that proves you have fixed a violation issued by a city agency.
After a notice of violation is issued by such agencies as the DOB*, HPD*, Fire Department, or environmental, the homeowner must take steps to resolve the problem. It means: gather proof (photos, contractor documents, permits etc.), and then submit them through the city’s online system.
Do not ignore!
Filing a Certificate of Correction is essential for legal compliance, avoiding ongoing penalties, and ensuring that the property does not accumulate new violations or enforcement actions.
For homeowners, this means:
- Fixing the cited issue according to the violation notice.
- Collecting all required documentation showing the work is complete and compliant.
- Submitting the required information directly in the COC request in DOB NOW: Safety, with supporting documents attached as needed.
- If the correction is accepted, penalties can be reduced or dismissed.
- Failure to complete the process can lead to hefty daily fines and further enforcement actions.
How the Process Works
When DOB issues a Summons, the property owner or the respondent (the person who is named on the summons) must:
- Correct the violating conditions at the property.
- Inform the Department of Buildings that the work was completed.
- This must be done by submitting a COC, in DOB NOW: Safety, to the Administrative Enforcement Unit (AEU).
- Summonses remain open (active) on the property’s public profile until they have either been Dismissed at an OATH hearing or Resolved through the COC review process.
- If AEU approves the COC submission, the process is complete, and the OATH Summons is resolved.
- However, if the initial COC submission is disapproved, the Submitter may choose to Resubmit the COC or Dispute AEU’s decision.
Good to know
This page is for general education only and is based on public New York City sources when available. Some technical and legal terms are simplified into plain English to help homeowners and ESL readers. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace guidance from a licensed professional. NYC construction and safety rules change often, and your project may have extra DOB*, OSHA*, or local requirements. Before you start work, always check current rules with a licensed design professional or directly with the NYC Department of Buildings.
The official DOB* procedures, rules and guidance of Certificate of Corrections
Disclaimer.
This encyclopedia entry is for general informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. NYC construction and safety laws change frequently, and specific projects may be subject to additional DOB, OSHA, or local requirements. Always confirm current rules with a licensed design professional or directly with the NYC Department of Buildings before starting work.
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If you see any capital letter abbreviations on this page or in an official letter you received from the city and you do not understand them, you can try to look them up on our NYC Violation Codes HUB page with the search tool.
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