Construction — Work Without a Valid DOB Permit

Construction · NYC DOB · NYC Admin Code §28-105.1; NYC Building Code Ch. 1

Construction — Work Without a Valid DOB Permit is enforced by NYC DOB under NYC Admin Code §28-105.1; NYC Building Code Ch. 1. Severity default: High.

The rule

Most structural work, facade repairs, and major alterations require a DOB-issued permit. Active construction with no permit posted, or work inconsistent with the posted permit scope, is illegal.

What to photograph

active construction with jackhammer or demolition and no DOB permit displayed
work being performed that exceeds scope of posted ALT or NB permit
construction activity at building with no permit number on site

How to file a complaint

Photograph the site, permit signage (or absence), and hazard.
Capture job number from shed permit if posted.
File at 311 under Construction, Scaffold Safety, or General Construction.
Mark whether pedestrians are forced into traffic.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOB.

Penalties & fines

DOB violations carry civil penalties from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars; imminent hazards can trigger Stop Work Orders.

What happens after you file

DOB inspectors respond to safety complaints. Missing permits or after-hours work can result in immediate enforcement and work stoppage.

This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.

Related guides

FAQ

Can I file anonymously?

311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings but does not auto-submit to 311.

Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?

This rule category is reference-only in SidewalkSnitch today. File directly at 311.nyc.gov or call 311.

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