NYC DOB Updates Civil Penalty Waiver Requests for Boilers and Elevators

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has recently implemented updates for Civil Penalty Waiver Requests related to elevator violations and both high- and low-pressure boiler violations. This update, effective October 27, 2023, is part of DOB NOW: Safety and aligns with changes in Title 1 of the Rules of the City of New York under Sections 103-01, 103-02, and 103-05. For property owners and small businesses, these modifications simplify the waiver process and offer additional options to support compliance.

One notable change is the streamlined waiver process for new property owners. In the past, new owners requesting waivers had the option to select between New Owner-Tax Exempt and New Owner-Economic Development Program categories. With the recent updates, the waiver request process has been simplified, and new owners now select a single “New Owner” option when applying.

This specific waiver request is designed for owners who acquired the property after the penalties were initially incurred, allowing them to seek relief from penalties under the updated ownership. To complete this request, applicants must upload a Recorded Deed document as proof of ownership transfer. The fee for processing these waivers is set at $30 for boiler violations and $35 for elevator violations, which must be paid online through the DOB NOW: Safety platform.

Additionally, a new waiver request option has been introduced specifically to assist small businesses. Under the “Small Business First-Time Waiver” category, small business owners can request a one-time civil penalty waiver for boiler violations. This option applies to both high-pressure and low-pressure boilers and can be utilized only once per device. To qualify for this waiver, applicants must upload supporting documents as proof of their small business status. This change aims to ease the financial impact on small businesses, especially those struggling with initial penalties that may hinder their operations.

The NYC DOB’s move to update the waiver request process is part of its larger initiative to support property owners and business operators through a more efficient and accessible system. By centralizing and simplifying requests via DOB NOW: Safety, the department makes it easier for stakeholders to handle compliance matters digitally, minimizing paperwork and streamlining the approval process.

For those needing guidance on navigating these updates, the DOB provides direct support through the DOB NOW Help Form. Property owners and business operators are encouraged to review these updates, utilize the appropriate waiver options, and stay informed about these adjustments to avoid unnecessary penalties.

Stay tuned for more updates and information on this and other NYC DOB initiatives.

For complete details and requirements, please refer to the official notice from the NYC DOB’s website. Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest regulations and adjustments. If you need further assistance or have specific questions about waiver requests or other DOB-related matters, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help you navigate these processes smoothly.