NYC DOB: Important Update on Elevator Violations for 2018-2022

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) recently issued a critical update regarding elevator compliance for building owners. Starting in October 2023, the DOB will be issuing violations to buildings that failed to file an affirmation of correction on their Category 1 elevator test reports for the years 2018 through 2022. This update targets properties with outstanding elevator issues, where required safety repairs were not reported back to the DOB, in line with city regulations.

These violations will remain on record until owners have both paid the necessary civil penalties or obtained a waiver and submitted the required affirmation of correction. Failing to address these violations promptly may result in prolonged compliance issues and additional financial burdens for building owners.

Building owners must handle these violations and related payments exclusively through the DOB NOW: Safety online portal. Here’s how the process works:

1. Locating and Paying Violations: Building owners can access the Violations portal within DOB NOW: Safety to find and pay outstanding violations. Once logged in with an eFiling account, users can search for their specific violations using identifiers such as the violation number, device number, address, or Building Identification Number (BIN). After selecting the correct violation, they can add it to their application and proceed with payment. Note that only one violation can be processed per application, so each must be submitted individually.
2. Requesting a Civil Penalty Waiver: In cases where a waiver of civil penalties is permitted, building owners can apply directly through DOB NOW: Safety. Each waiver application allows the inclusion of up to five violations for one device. After filling out the required information, applicants must choose a valid reason for the waiver and upload any necessary supporting documentation. The waiver, if granted, will mark the violation as dismissed, removing it from the property’s record. Specific guidelines for waiver eligibility can be found under 1 RCNY §103-02.
3. Accepted Payment Methods: All penalty payments must be made online through the portal. The DOB accepts payments by eCheck, credit card, PayPal, or Venmo, with a 2% surcharge on credit card, PayPal, and Venmo transactions. Payments made by eCheck may take up to ten business days to process, while the DOB does not accept in-person or mail-in payments. These digital payment methods ensure a streamlined process for managing outstanding fees.

For any violation to be officially dismissed, building owners must have a licensed professional submit an affirmation of correction. This is a mandatory requirement, as the DOB will not accept corrections from unlicensed individuals. Licensed professionals play a critical role in verifying that all necessary elevator repairs have been addressed, thereby ensuring compliance with DOB standards.

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.