Stop work order

A Stop Work Order (SWO*) from the NYC Department of Buildings means that construction or repair work at a site has been stopped because inspectors found unsafe conditions or work that could be dangerous. The order is meant to keep workers, residents, and the public safe, as well as to protect the building and surrounding property.

When a SWO is issued, no work can continue until the safety issues are fixed. The DOB* or the SWO* Coordinator will contact the person in charge (like the project manager) to explain what needs to be done to make the site safe again. Only after all the problems are addressed and the DOB confirms this, will the stop work order be lifted, allowing work to resume.

If work continues despite the order, there can be heavy fines and penalties. So, for a homeowner, a Stop Work Order means immediately stopping all construction work on your property until the city says it’s safe to continue. It’s about protecting everyone and making sure repairs or builds are done properly and safely.​

Full Stop Work Order

All work is prohibited, excluding remedial work required to make the site safe, as authorized by the Commissioner.

Partial Stop Work Order

A partial SWO does not stop all work on a site: certain work or work in a particular area is prohibited, except remedial work required to make the site safe, as authorized by the Commissioner.