NYC DOB Issues Update on Elevator Inspections and Penalties
In a recent update, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) announced that they will be issuing violations for specific elevator-related requirements. The update impacts owners who failed to file necessary reports for elevator tests and inspections from 2023. Penalties will begin to apply starting September 2024, marking a firm stance by the DOB on ensuring elevator safety compliance.
The violations will apply to property owners who did not submit two main types of documents for their elevators:
- Category 1 Elevator Test Reports: Required annually to confirm each elevator’s safety status.
- Periodic Inspection Reports: Ensuring that any issues identified during regular inspections have been corrected.
For those who didn’t meet these reporting requirements, violations will remain on record until the required documents are submitted. Additionally, the DOB requires either payment of any penalties or an approved waiver request to clear these violations from the property record.
The DOB has centralized all submissions, payments, and waiver requests through their online portal, DOB NOW: Safety. This move is part of NYC DOB’s digitalization efforts to streamline operations for building managers and owners.
Steps for Filing and Payment:
- Access the Violations Portal: Log into DOB NOW: Safety with an NYC.ID.
- Violation Search: Search for violations using a violation number, device number, address, or Building Identification Number (BIN).
- Make Payments: Follow prompts to add and pay for the selected violation(s) individually. Note that only one violation can be processed per application.
- Waiver Requests: If eligible, owners can request a waiver for penalties. Choose up to five violations associated with one device, provide necessary documentation, and pay the $35 processing fee.
Payments can be made online using eCheck, credit card, PayPal, or Venmo, with a 2% surcharge applied for credit card, PayPal, and Venmo transactions. For eCheck payments, processing might take up to 10 business days. The DOB no longer accepts in-person or mailed payments, making DOB NOW the sole platform for payment processing.
Property owners who have valid reasons for non-compliance can apply for a waiver of the penalties. The waiver form requires supporting documentation that must be uploaded in the DOB NOW portal. Waiver eligibility depends on the nature of each violation, and owners are encouraged to consult NYC’s Building Code (1 RCNY §103-02) for specific requirements.
This update emphasizes the NYC DOB’s commitment to maintaining building safety and regulatory compliance. Property owners are urged to stay on top of these requirements to avoid penalties.
Stay tuned for more updates and information on this and other NYC DOB initiatives.
For more detailed information, refer to the official notice on the NYC DOB website, where all specifics on requirements and deadlines are outlined. Visit the NYC DOB’s official website for ongoing updates and further details on managing your building’s compliance.
If you have questions or need assistance, click here for additional resources or to contact the NYC DOB support team for more guidance on elevator compliance and reporting.
