Inspection Units - Buildings

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Inspection Units
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Inspection Units

Specialty Units


Inspection Units

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Boiler

The Boiler Unit oversees the installation, operational safety and enforcement inspection compliance of boilers in New York City. The Boiler Technical Unit ensures the safe installation and operation of low- and high-pressure boilers and related equipment by performing inspections and audits. Get more boiler information.

Functions

Perform initial inspections on boilers, burners, and fuel storage installations

responds to A and B boiler complaints

responds to all carbon monoxide incidents

Conducts special report requests, audit inspections, sealed boiler re-inspections, annual inspection report audits, periodic high-pressure boiler inspections for City agencies

Reviews fuel storage plans for self-certified signoffs

Meets with the public for administrative signoffs

Read Boiler Frequently Asked Questions to common boilers and boiler violation questions.

Contact the Boiler Unit

280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007
Email: www.nyc.gov/dobhelp

Boiler Unit Hot Line

Non-Technical Questions
Phone: (212) 393-2661
Customer Service Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays)

Boiler Technical Unit

First Test Appointment or other Technical Boiler-related Questions/Issues
Phone: (212) 393-2784
Customer Service Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays)

Borough Enforcement Investigations

The Borough Enforcement Investigations (BEI) Unit serves as the quality assurance enforcement liaison to borough offices and special inspection units. BEI develops and manages enforcement actions against individuals, repeat violators, problem buildings, or for specific geographic areas that are in violation of the NYC Building Code and Zoning Resolution.

Concrete Enforcement

The Concrete Enforcement Unit supports DOB oversight of all concrete testing at construction projects for public and worker safety. CEU performs Code data outreach to the design and construction industry, enforces against contractors, concrete labs, professionals, and assists the Construction Safety Enforcement Unit. Get more concrete enforcement information.

Functions

Site visits and audit of concrete placement activities

Inspect and audit Licensed Concrete Laboratories

Performs Parallel Concrete Testing of selected construction sites

Performs engineering audit of new building and alteration work regarding concrete operations

Reviews concrete safety manager qualifications and operations

Responds to emergeny conditions (concrete blowouts, form failures)

Coordinates with DOB Technical Affairs and the Department of Investigation

Contact the Concrete Enforcement Unit

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2730
Email: ceu@buildings.nyc.gov

Construction Inspections (Development)

The Construction Inspections Development Unit facilitates safe and compliant development to ensure compliance of Building Codes and Zoning Regulations. Field personnel inspect the construction of new buildings and major alterations to existing structures for conformity to approved plans, applicable legislation and current safety standards throughout the five boroughs. If you have questions about the inspection of your development project, please contact the Construction Development Inspection unit in the borough where your project is located.

Contact the Construction Development Unit in Your Borough

Bronx: (718) 960-4709 | bxconstructionir@buildings.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: (718) 802-4035 | bkconstructionir@buildings.nyc.gov
Manhattan: (212) 323-7288 | mnconstructionir@buidlings.nyc.gov
Queens: (718) 286-8360 | qnconstructionir@buildings.nyc.gov
Staten Island: (718) 420-5416 | siconstructionir@buildings.nyc.gov

Construction Inspections (Enforcement)

The Construction Inspections Enforcement Unit responds to public complaints and inter-agency referrals regarding illegal construction, structural stability and building use throughout the City. Field personnel inspect the construction of new buildings and major alterations to existing structures for conformity to the approved plans, applicable legislation, current safety standards, and the NYC Building Code and Zoning Resolution. There is a Construction Enforcement Inspection Unit in each borough office.

Contact the Construction Enforcement Unit in Your Borough

Bronx: (718) 960-4730 | BXConstEnf@buildings.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: (718) 802-3685 | BKConstEnf@buildings.nyc.gov
Manhattan: (212) 323-8079 | MNConstEnf@buildings.nyc.gov
Queens: (718) 286-8380 | QNConstENF@buildings.nyc.gov
Staten Island: (718) 420-3590 | SIConsEnf@buildings.nyc.gov

Construction Safety Compliance

The Construction Safety Compliance (CSC) Unit performs proactive periodic inspections on all active sites with a site safety requirement, scaffold safety inspections, and interior/full demolition inspections.

Complete a CSC Appointment Request Form and submit it to cscuappointments@buildings.nyc.gov for inspection requests for site safety sites for major buildings and pre-demolition/demo-sign-offs or pre-use for corner angle suspended scaffolds.

Requests to release site safety requirements from a substantially completed job with a Construction Superintendent, Site Safety Coordinator or Site Safety Manager and sidewalk sheds removal requests are submitted in DOB NOW. See the July 2022 Site Safety Updates for more information.

Please read the CSC Frequently Asked Questions and watch the CSC video for more information.

Contact the Construction Safety Compliance Unit

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2404 (press 2 for Compliance)

CSC Inspection Appointments
Email: CSCUAppointments@buildings.nyc.gov

CSC Site Safety Standards & Guidance Initiative

Email: ssgsi@buildings.nyc.gov

Request to Combine Permits

Email: CSuper@buildings.nyc.gov

Construction Safety Enforcement

The Construction Safety Enforcement (CSE) Unit conducts emergency inspections and responds to construction incidents and accidents as well as responding to construction complaints and inspections for violations or Stop Work Orders (SWO) issued by the Construction Safety Compliance Unit. The unit also performs technical reviews/audits of construction documents to verify Code compliance.
To request an appointment to get a SWO or PSW rescinded, complete a CSE Appointment Request Form and send it to cseappointments@buildings.nyc.gov. If you have questions about a violation issued by the CSE Unit or the process for rescinding a SWO or PSWO, email cseinquiry@buildings.nyc.gov.

Contact the Construction Safety Enforcement (CSE) Unit

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2404 (press 1)
Email: cseinquiry@buildings.nyc.gov

Cranes & Derricks

The Cranes & Derricks (C&D) Unit ensures all crane and hoisting work is performed safely per the manufacturer's recommendations and best industry practice, while maintaining the requirements of the Building Code. All cranes, derricks and hoisting equipment must be prototyped and registered with the C&D Unit except delivery truck mounted cranes that are not involved with constructions and derricks with less than one ton lifting capacity. Get additional Cranes & Derricks information.

Contact the Cranes & Derricks Unit

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2411
Email: candd@buildings.nyc.gov
See the C&D Holiday Inspection Schedule.

Report an incident or accident involving a crane or derrick call (212) 393-2127

Schedule a crane inspection appointment, a Stop Work Order (SWO) re-inspection or confirmation numbers and notifications call (212) 393-2662

Schedule an appointment with a Plan Examiner call (212) 393-2550

Electrical Inspections (Development)

The Electrical Inspections Development Unit facilitates safe and compliant installation of electrical wiring to ensure compliance with the NYC Electrical Code and applicable national regulations. Field personnel inspect installations in new buildings and major alterations to existing structures for conformity to approved plans, applicable legislation and current safety standards throughout the five boroughs. If you have questions about the inspection of your electrical development project, please contact the Electrical Development Inspection unit in the borough where your project is located.

Contact the Electrical Development Unit in Your Borough

Bronx: (718) 960-4750 | BXElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: (718) 802-4342 | BKElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Manhattan: (212) 323-7286 | MNElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Queens: (718) 286-7650 | QNElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Staten Island: (718) 420-3575 | SIElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov

NOTE: The Manhattan Electrical Inspections Development Unit is located at One Centre Street, 23rd Floor. All other units are located in the respective borough office.

Electrical Inspections (Enforcement)

The Electrical Enforcement Inspections Unit enforces the requirements of the NYC Electrical Code and applicable national regulations. Our highly skilled electrical inspectors respond to public complaints, industry referrals and special interagency inspection requests. They verify licensed and unlicensed electrical installation and/or defective wiring throughout the five boroughs.

Contact the Electrical Enforcement Inspections Unit

One Centre Street, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2417

Elevator

The Elevator Unit ensures the operational safety, reliable service and lawful use of elevators, escalators, moving walks, personnel hoists, amusement rides and other related vertical transportation devices throughout New York City by performing/witnessing inspections and testing. The unit provides the public prompt, accurate and transparent information on all elevator administrative processes and procedures. Read the Elevator Violations Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Functions

Processes elevator applications and permits

Data entry of inspection and test reports, DOB & PVT violations and NYCHA reports

Scheduling and coordinating Acceptance Tests

Records management (filing & retrieving)

Permits new technologies under pilot programs

Hosts forums for elevator companies and expeditors

Get more elevator information.

Contact the Elevator Unit

280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007
General Inquiries: (212) 393-2144
Application Inquiries: (212) 393-2555
Email: nyc.gov/dobhelp
Customer Service Phone Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays)

Emergency Response Team

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) provides rapid response in all emergencies requiring DOB's response to ensure compliance of NYC Building Codes, rules, and regulations for the safety of all New Yorkers. ERT is the DOB's primary source for the incident command, operating 24/7 365 with daytime and nighttime inspectors, and three OEM Watch Command representatives located at OEM headquarters. The unit is responsible for the citywide 'A' complaint response during normal business hours, non-business hours, and holidays; performs special enforcement sweeps; and handles all after hour inquires/complaints. Learn more about the Emergency Response Team.

Façade & Local Law Enforcement

The Façade & Local Law Unit coordinates and monitors the enforcement of the Building Code, Local Laws 16/84 (Fire Safety), 26/04 (Fire Safety) and RCNY 103-04 (Façade Law). The unit ensures all buildings in the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) universe are maintained and that the Fire Safety Code is adhered to by all occupants. Additionally, the unit conducts façade and fire safety inspections to verify compliance; scan and archive reports filed with the unit; issues administrative DOB and OATH violations; issues summonses and enforces Commissioner's Orders. Get more Façade & Local Law information.

Contact the Façade & Local Law Unit

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2551 (assistance calculating civil penalties, Local Law 11 inquiries and other façade issues)
Email: facades@buildings.nyc.gov
Customer Service Window Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Customer Service Phone Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays)

Forensic Engineering

The Forensic Engineering Unit (FEU) responds in real time to construction-injuries, fatalities, fire damage, egress issues and collapsed buildings or buildings in imminent danger of collapse, collapse of cranes or retaining walls or excavations are considered top priority. The Unit services all DOB's emergency response special engineering needs and efforts with the Law Department, Landmarks, NYCHA, NYC Parks Department, OEM, NYPD, FDNY, FBI, and FDNY Marshals. In addition, FEU frequently supports agencies including DOI and the NYC Court on request. Watch the FEU video for more information.

Contact the Forensic Engineering Unit

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2720

House Connections

The House Connections Unit inspects sanitary, storm, and combined sewers within a property, as well as detention tanks, yard drains, septic tanks and new sewer construction. When applying for a permit, only a Licensed Master Plumber can submit the application, which consists of a House Connection Proposal or Site Connection Proposal. Both are drafted by a Professional Engineer or a Registered Architect. To request a House Connection Inspection email the unit at HouseconnectionIR@buildings.nyc.gov. Get more House Connections information.

Office of Strategic Inspections

The Office of Strategic Inspections (OSI), formerly the Multiple Dwellings Unit, investigates allegations of unlicensed trade activity, including plumbing, electrical, and all other trades, to develop cases for both civil and criminal prosecution of bad actors. The unit coordinates enforcement efforts with other City agencies and provides testimony to law enforcement and prosecutors against property owners. In addition, OSI works with the Tenant Harassment Task Force and the NYS Attorney General to bring criminal cases for tenant harassment. Learn more about OSI.

Contact OSI

Phone: (212) 393-2930

Padlock Enforcement

The Padlock Enforcement Unit enforces Section 28-212.1 of the City’s Administrative Code and Zoning Resolution. The unit stops illegal manufacturing and commercial uses in residential neighborhoods and certain commercial districts. Get more padlock information.

Contact the Padlock Enforcement Unit

280 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2622
Email: padlockinfo@buildings.nyc.gov

Parking Structures

The Parking Structures Unit (PSU) coordinates and monitors the enforcement of NYC Administrative Code §28-323 for the periodic inspection and filing of compliance reports for parking structures which went into effect January 1, 2022 per Local Law 126 of 2021. PSU reviews the buildings owner’s engineer’s submitted engineering parking structure reports on a six-year cycle, inspects parking structures to confirm submitted engineering reports, and reviews assessment programs developed by the owner's engineer. Get more Parking Structures information.

Contact the Parking Structures Unit

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2551
Email: parkingstructures@buildings.nyc.gov

Plumbing Inspections (Development)

The Plumbing Inspections Development Unit performs inspections of gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems when an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, add to, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the piping of a building, or intends to erect, install, add to, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

All permits and applications are filed by a Registered Design Professional (PE/RA), Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor (LMFSC), or Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) in DOB NOW: Build. Some forms may require the property or business owner’s signature.

After the permitted work is completed, the Unit performs an inspection to verify the installation and the materials used are in accordance with the approved plans. To obtain an inspection appointment, visit DOB NOW: Inspections and get step-by-step user manuals on how to submit your inspection request on the DOB NOW: Inspections Resources page.

Contact the Plumbing Inspections Development Unit in Your Borough

Bronx: (718) 960-4720 | BXPlumbingIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: (718) 802-3723 | BKPlumbingIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Manhattan: (212) 323-7287 | MNPlumbingIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Queens: (718) 286-8350 | QNPlumbingIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Staten Island: (718) 420-5418 | SIPlumbingIR@buildings.nyc.gov

NOTE: The Manhattan Plumbing Inspections Development Unit is located at One Centre Street, 23rd Floor. All other units are located at the borough office.

Plumbing Inspections (Enforcement)

The Plumbing Inspections Enforcement Unit performs inspections of new and/or altered plumbing, gas, and fire suppression system(s). Our inspectors address public complaints; interagency, utility and industry enforcement referrals pertaining to illegal work and system maintenance. Plumbing Enforcement inspectors also perform field spot-checks and office audits of professionally certified Plumbing and Fire Suppression Work Types.

All permits and applications are filed by a Registered Design Professional (PE/RA), Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor (LMFSC), or Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) in DOB NOW: Build. Some forms may require the property or business owner’s signature.

After the permitted work is completed, the Unit performs an inspection to verify the installation and the materials used are in accordance with the approved plans. To obtain an inspection appointment, visit DOB NOW: Inspections and get step-by-step user manuals on how to submit an inspection request on the DOB NOW: Inspections Resources page.

Contact the Plumbing Enforcement Unit

Phone: (212) 393-2557
Email: PlumbingEnfIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Stop Work Order Re-inspection Appointments: PlumbingSWO@buildings.nyc.gov

Quality of Life Task Force

The Quality of Life (QOL) Task Force conducts field inspections in response to illegal conversion complaints. The unit inspects the premises for potentially hazardous conditions and issues vacates order for non-compliance. If there is no access an Access Warrant is obtained, NYPD is contacted to assist the inspector in the execution of the warrant.

Contact the Quality of Life Task Force

Phone: (718) 286-3445
Email: QofLEnf@buildings.nyc.gov

Real-Time Enforcement

The Real-Time Enforcement (RTE) Unit tracks, monitors and responds to complaints related to work without a permit in occupied multiple dwellings. The unit conducts proactive inspections of all type 1 and 2 alterations in occupied multiple dwellings. These inspections are done within 72 hours of starting permitted work. Real-time Enforcement inspectors issue violation notices and Stop Work Orders as needed and respond to immediately hazardous complaints within 12 hours. Watch the Real-Time Enforcement video for more information.

Contact the Real-Time Enforcement Unit

Phone: (212) 393-6660
Email: rteu@buildings.nyc.gov
Hours: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays)

Retaining Wall

The Retaining Wall Unit (RWU) coordinates and monitors the enforcement of NYC Administrative Code §28-305.4 for structural retaining walls over 10' high on the public way. RWU assists the NYC Parks Department with their retaining wall portfolio, reviews owner submitted engineering retaining wall reports on a five-year cycle, inspects retaining walls to confirm submitted engineering reports, reviews assessment programs developed by the owner's engineer, and manages/organizes the annual Retaining Wall No Penalty Program. Get more retaining wall information.

Contact the Retaining Wall Unit

Email: LretainingWalls@buildings.nyc.gov

Sidewalk Shed Monitoring & Removal

The Sidewalk Shed Monitoring & Removal (SSMR) Unit focuses on buildings that have had sidewalk sheds installed for over 5 years, indicating either a lack of maintenance by the building owner or stalled façade alteration work. These sheds serve as protective barriers for pedestrians, indicating potential hazards above. The SSMR team conducts mandated, proactive inspections to assess the condition of building façades with long-standing sheds. Get more sidewalk shed information.

Contact the Sidewalk Shed Monitoring & Removal Unit

Phone:(212) 393-2551
Email:ssmr@buildings.nyc.gov

Sign Enforcement

The Sign Enforcement Unit enforces Chapter 5 of the Building Code by regulating existing outdoor advertising signage and reducing the proliferation of illegal signage throughout the City. The unit does not issue permits or provide information about allowable advertising signage placement. Information regarding the size of signs and where the signs can be erected, maybe obtained from the Department of City Planning Help Desk at (212) 720-3291.

Sign permit information is available from a DOB borough office in the borough where the sign is intended to be located. Get more sign information.

Contact the Sign Enforcement Unit

Phone: (212) 393-2622
Email: signinfo@buildings.nyc.gov

Special Operations

The Special Operations Unit performs proactive safety inspections and special situation inspections at the request of senior management. Special Operations is a high-volume inspection and violation issuing unit that conducts mostly mandated inspections: annual public school inspections, hazardous re-inspections (Class 1 violations), parking garage inspections, padlock/signs, Unsafe Building Surveys, Certificate of Correction audits, joint inspections with FDNY; and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK).

Watch the Special Operations video to learn more about the unit.

Contact the Special Operations Unit

Phone: (212) 393-2412
Email: SpecialOperations@buildings.nyc.gov

Structurally Compromised Buildings

The Structurally Compromised Buildings (SCB) Unit coordinates and monitors the enforcement of NYC Administrative Code §28-217 and NYC Rule §102-03. The team assembles/develops the SCB database, review annual engineering reports from the owner regarding the SCB, inspect SCB to confirm engineering report details and perform industry outreach.

A potentially structurally compromised building:

has had an open roof for sixty days or longer

has been shored and braced or otherwise temporarily safeguarded pursuant to an emergency declaration issued by the Commissioner

has been subject to a precept as a compromised structure under Section 216.1.1 of this Code or

may have suffered structural damage by fire or any other cause as determined by the Commissioner.

Owners of buildings that meet these requirements are required to hire a registered Professional Engineer or Architect within 60 days of the onset of the condition to have their building evaluated and a report needs to be filed within 30 days of that inspection to the department. The report needs to be filed with a completed TR15 form. Please email the completed TR15 form, receipt for payment of the $500 fee, and the Engineer/Architect report directly to the SCB Unit.

Contact the SCB Unit

Email: scbinfo@buildings.nyc.gov

Triage Command

Triage Command (Executive Inspections) handles a variety of special enforcement requests. We coordinate high level inspections, safety sweeps and investigations working closely with FDNY, NYPD, HPD, DOI, Mayor's Office, and other government agencies. Triage Command manages the referral process by screening and assigning every request to an appropriate enforcement unit.

Contact Triage Command

Phone: (212) 393-2347

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