Code: Civil penalties (official violation code)
Description: A civil penalty is a money fine issued by a government agency (such as NYC DOB or HPD) for violating a building code, zoning rule, or local law. Civil penalties are separate from criminal charges. They are paid to the city — not to a court — and must be paid before a violation can be closed. The amount depends on the class of violation, the type of building, and whether the offense is a repeat.
Practical Meaning: If you receive a DOB or ECB/OATH violation, you may owe a civil penalty (fine) in addition to having to fix the problem. You cannot get a new permit, a Certificate of Occupancy, or a Letter of Completion until all civil penalties are paid. For DOB violations, penalties are paid directly to the city through DOB NOW or in person at the borough office. For OATH/ECB violations, penalties are set by a hearing officer and paid through CityPay.
Where You May See It: On a DOB violation notice or OATH/ECB summons. In the Buildings Information System (BIS) under a property's violation history. On title search reports when buying or selling a property. In DOB NOW: Safety or DOB NOW: Build when applying for permits or Letters of Completion.
Why It Matters: Unpaid civil penalties can block you from getting new permits, a Certificate of Occupancy, or a Letter of Completion. They also appear in title searches and can prevent you from selling or refinancing your property. For repeat violations or immediately hazardous conditions, penalties can increase significantly. Paying civil penalties does not close a violation — you must also correct the condition and certify the correction.
Source: Civil penalties