Fire Code Violation Removal

FDNY may issue a fire code violation or summons to a property owner, including an owner of a one- or two-family home, when a condition at the property violates the NYC Fire Code or FDNY rules.

What Is an FDNY Fire Code Violation?

FDNY fire code violations concern fire safety, fire prevention, and safe evacuation. An FDNY inspector or other authorized Department personnel may issue a summons when they find a condition that violates the NYC Fire Code or Fire Department rules.

Some conditions need immediate attention because they can create a serious risk, such as a blocked exit, unsafe fuel storage, or a fire-protection system that does not work. Read your document carefully because it gives the exact charge, deadline, hearing information, and correction requirements for your case.

An FDNY fire code violation is a notice that there may be a condition that can cause a fire or make it harder for people to escape during a fire.

Common Fire-Related Issues a Homeowner Can Be Cited For

• Blocked or obstructed exits and hallways.
• Blocked fire escapes or other ways to get out safely during a fire emergency.
• Missing, non-functioning, or improperly installed smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, or other required fire-protection features.
• Open-flame appliances or space heaters used improperly.
• Unsafe boilers, furnaces, chimneys, or vents.
• Unsafe storage or use of flammable or combustible materials, such as gasoline, paint, solvents, cooking oil, paper, or large amounts of cardboard.
• Unsafe use of extension cords and other electrical fire hazards.

FDNY Penalties and Fines for Violations

FDNY may issue different enforcement documents for fire code violations. Depending on the document and the charge, you may need to correct the condition, submit proof of correction, pay a civil penalty, attend an OATH hearing, or take more than one of these steps.

An FDNY summons is an enforcement document that identifies the alleged violation, the law, rule, or code section cited, and the action required from you. It may include correction instructions, a deadline for submitting a Certificate of Correction, a civil-penalty amount, and/or OATH hearing information.

You may also receive a correction order or another enforcement notice. The name of the document matters, so read every page and follow the instructions on your specific notice.

Many FDNY summonses are returnable to OATH, the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. Read the summons for its response instructions, hearing date, hearing format, and available options for resolving the case.

What Should a Homeowner Do?

If you receive an FDNY fire code violation, summons, or correction order, do not ignore it. Read every page carefully and act quickly if the condition could create an immediate fire or escape hazard.

• Identify the document. Check whether it is an FDNY summons, a correction order, an OATH-related notice, or another enforcement document.
• Find the key details. Look for the alleged condition, the cited law or rule, the offense date, correction instructions, any Certificate of Correction deadline, and hearing information.
• Make the area safer right away. For a simple problem, such as a blocked exit, clear the exit as soon as possible. If there is an immediate danger, call 911.
• Document the condition and the repair. Take clear photos before and after the work. Keep receipts, permits, inspection reports, contractor invoices, and written communications.
• Use qualified professionals when needed. Unsafe electrical work, gas lines, heating equipment, fire-protection systems, and major construction issues may require a licensed contractor, a permit, an inspection, or other professional help.
• Resolve the case separately. Fixing the condition may not automatically close a summons. Follow the instructions about correction certification, payment, a hearing, or other required steps.
• Do not miss a hearing. If your notice has an OATH hearing or another response deadline, follow the instructions even if you have already corrected the condition.

For an FDNY summons that allows correction, review the compliance date on your summons and follow the current FDNY filing instructions. FDNY’s public guidance says Certificate of Correction requests are submitted online through FDNY Business. Keep copies of your proof of correction and do not assume that fixing the condition alone closes the case.

Help for Homeowners

For certain DOB violations at one- and two-family homes, NYC has a Homeowner Resolution Program. This is a DOB* program, not an FDNY program. Eligible owners may have an opportunity to correct certain DOB conditions before a DOB summons and related penalties are issued.

Eligibility depends on the property’s DOB enforcement history and the type of condition involved. If you received both DOB and FDNY documents, treat them as separate matters. Follow the instructions and deadlines on each document, because resolving one does not automatically resolve the other.

NEXT STEP

Sponsored recommendation. Fire-code issues can affect many NYC homes and small properties. Learn about seven common FDNY fire-code violations, why they matter, and when professional help may be needed.

Explore 7 Common FDNY Fire-Code Violations

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