The Department issues a Stop Work Order (SWO) when inspectors determine a site has unsafe work or conditions. SWOs are issued to protect workers, residents, the public, and buildings and properties. When DOB halts work, the SWO Coordinator contacts the project executive or construction manager to outline the necessary steps to correct the safety hazard.
There are two types of Stop Work Orders:
See the Stop Work Order Guide to find out when Full or Partial SWOs may be issued and the Stop Work Order Map for recently issued and rescinded SWOs.
If DOB issues a SWO for work without a permit, work cannot resume until a permit has been issued and the SWO has been rescinded. If you resume work before the SWO has been rescinded, DOB may issue violations carrying additional civil penalties, even though a work permit has been issued. DOB will not rescind the SWO until these additional civil penalties have been paid.
When the Department sees work against a SWO, violations carrying additional civil penalties may be issued. The Department will not rescind a SWO until these civil penalties have been paid.
A Certificate of Correction is an affidavit attesting to the lawful correction of conditions cited in an ECB Notice of Violation issued by the Department of Buildings. Any of the following people may complete and submit a Certificate of Correction:
The Certificate of Correction must also be accompanied by a sworn statement attesting to how and when the work was completed, and by whom. Additional proof of correction may also be required, such as permits to do the work (if required by Code), photographs showing before and after conditions, invoices for completed work, etc. Certain violations, such as elevators and boilers violations, may require the services of a licensed individual who must submit a sworn statement certifying the correction of items cited on the violation. New owners must attach a copy of the property deed.
Department inspectors conduct surprise inspections at Stop Work Order sites. When they find work that violates the Stop Work Order, they issue violations with escalated civil penalties.