Department

DOB

FDNY

DOT

Department of Buildings (DOB)

1. Building Code Compliance

DOB enforces the NYC Building Code, ensuring that all construction and renovation work is safe and up to code. This includes regulating structural work, electrical systems, plumbing, and fire safety measures. Every building in the city must adhere to these standards, and DOB is responsible for reviewing and approving plans that comply with these regulations.

2. Zoning and Land Use

DOB enforces zoning laws, which dictate what type of buildings can be constructed in different areas of the city. Zoning laws define aspects such as:

Building height
Density
Use (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)
Setbacks and parking requirements DOB ensures that construction projects comply with these rules, and we assist clients with understanding zoning restrictions and applying for any necessary zoning variances.

3. Permit Issuance

DOB issues various permits for construction, demolition, renovations, electrical work, plumbing work, and more. Here are a few common permits:

Building Permits: Required for new constructions and major alterations.
Plumbing Permits: For any plumbing work that modifies systems.
Electrical Permits: Required for electrical work, such as rewiring or adding new systems.
Demolition Permits: For tearing down or removing parts of a structure. We help clients prepare and submit the necessary documentation to ensure permits are granted smoothly.

4. Violation Issuance and Enforcement

DOB has the authority to issue violations when property owners or contractors fail to comply with building codes or regulations. Common violations include:

Illegal work: Construction without the necessary permits.
Code violations: Work that doesn’t meet safety or code standards.
Occupancy violations: For buildings being used for purposes that violate zo

Fire Department (FDNY)

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) ensures the safety of the public through fire prevention, emergency response, and the enforcement of fire codes. They issue permits for fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and hazardous materials storage. Our team helps clients navigate the FDNY’s regulations and secure necessary fire safety permits and approvals.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The Department of Transportation (DOT) manages the city's streets, highways, and traffic systems. They are responsible for issuing permits related to road closures, construction site safety, and street activities. We help our clients acquire DOT permits for street work, lane closures, and other related activities.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ensures the protection of NYC’s air, water, and natural resources. They regulate and monitor water systems, waste management, and air quality. If you need permits related to water connections, sewer installations, or environmental compliance, we liaise with the DEP to secure the required approvals.

Parks Department (NYC Parks)

The NYC Parks Department manages the city's parks, recreational spaces, and public green areas. We assist with obtaining permits for events, construction, or other activities within these public spaces, ensuring compliance with regulations and facilitating smooth processing.

Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is responsible for protecting New York’s historic landmarks and buildings. If your project involves a historic building or a structure within a historic district, we help navigate the approval process and work to ensure compliance with LPC’s preservation guidelines.

Loft Board

The Loft Board oversees the legal conversion of residential units in buildings that were originally intended for industrial or commercial use. They ensure safety standards are met and issue certificates of occupancy for legal residential units. We work with the Loft Board to help our clients obtain the necessary approvals for their conversions.

Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)

The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) adjudicates violations issued by various city agencies, such as the DOB, DOT, and DEP. We represent clients at OATH hearings to contest violations or penalties and work to achieve favorable outcomes.

Environmental Control Board (ECB)

The Environmental Control Board (ECB) is an independent body that hears cases regarding violations issued by various NYC agencies, including the Department of Buildings (DOB). Here's a deeper look at its role:

1. ECB Hearings for DOB Violations

When DOB issues a violation, particularly for construction-related issues, it is often processed through ECB. If you’ve received a DOB violation, you may be required to attend an ECB hearing to contest the fine or penalty. The ECB’s role is to review the evidence, hear arguments from both parties, and decide if the violation is valid and if the penalty should stand.Common violations that go through ECB hearings include:

Failure to file necessary paperwork or permits with DOB.
Illegal construction activities or failure to correct issues after being cited.
Failure to comply with zoning regulations that DOB enforces.

2. Role of ECB in Dispute Resolution 

ECB hearings offer an opportunity for individuals and businesses to dispute fines or penalties. For example, if you believe the violation was issued in error, or if you’ve already corrected the issue, you can present your case at an ECB hearing. We assist our clients by representing them at these hearings, gathering the required evidence, and advocating on their behalf to reduce or eliminate fines. 

3. Penalties and Enforcement 

If the ECB finds that the violation is valid, they will uphold the fine and require payment. If the fine is related to illegal construction or violations of building codes, the ECB’s ruling may also include additional penalties or requirements to remedy the violations. Our role is to help ensure the process is handled properly and to minimize the consequences for our clients.

Our Departments and Responsibilities