Print

Electrical ECB Violations


The NYC 2011 Electrical Code adopted the 2008 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), including amendments for New York City-specific electrical practices. This revision changed our enforcement structure for Electrical Code violations. Beginning July 1, 2012, the Department of Buildings may issue Environmental Control Board (ECB) Notices of Violation (NOV) for electrical work that does not meet the standards of the NYC 2011 Electrical Code.

  • Notices of Objection replace Electrical Violations to notify licensees of objections found during sign-off inspections.
  • Unresolved Objections may become the basis of an NOV – a ticket issued for breaching health, safety and environmental laws.
  • The ECB is the administrative court that hears these violations.
  • The person or entity named in the violation – the respondent – may challenge the NOV during the ECB hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Must I attend the ECB hearing?
  2. What if I don’t attend the hearing and don’t admit the violation?
  3. What is an ECB Hearing?
  4. Can I challenge a violation at ECB?
  5. Can I appeal the judge’s decision?
  6. What if I am found in violation?
  7. How much time do I have to correct a violation?
  8. How do I certify that I corrected a violation?
  9. Will I need an electrical permit to correct violations of the Electrical Code? 
  10. How do I find additional information?


FAQ

  1. What is an ECB Hearing?

    ECB hearings are less formal than court and are led by An Administrative Law Judge. The respondent and a representative from the City agency that wrote the Notices of Violation (NOV) will attend. You may bring an attorney, but it isn't required. Both sides speak to the judge and provide photos and documents to help prove their case. The judge's decision will be mailed after the hearing.
  2. Must I attend the ECB hearing?

    You (or your representative) must attend. However, if you admit to the violation and pay the standard penalty to ECB prior to your first hearing, you need not appear at the hearing.
  3. What if I don’t attend the hearing and don’t admit the violation?


    A default penalty as high as $25,000 per violation will be imposed, and you must also correct and certify the correction.

     

  4. Can I challenge a violation at ECB?

    Yes. Present your defense at your scheduled hearing. The judge will either rule that you are in violation or dismiss the Notices of Violation (NOV).
  5. Can I appeal the judge’s decision?

    Either party can file an appeal with the ECB Appeals Unit. Instructions on appeals are included in the judge’s Decision and Order.
  6. What if I am found in violation?

    You must pay the minimum penalty to ECB, correct the illegal conditions and certify that you’ve made the corrections. If you demonstrate that you corrected the violation before the hearing date on the violation, your penalty may be reduced by half.

    [Back to Top]

  7. How much time do I have to correct a violation?

    You must immediately correct — and certify that you’ve corrected – any Class 1 (Immediately Hazardous) violation. Class 2 (Major) and Class 3 (Lesser) must be corrected and certified within 40 days. Uncorrected violations may be re-inspected and you may receive additional violations.
  8. How do I certify that I corrected a violation?

    Submit a completed and notarized Certificate of Correction (AEU2 Form) to the Department. Include supporting documentation, such as permits, receipts and statements of correction. File the AEU2 in person or mail it to the NYC Department of Buildings’ Administrative Enforcement Unit, located at 280 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10007. Office hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
  9. Will I need an electrical permit to correct violations of the Electrical Code?

    A permit is required in most cases. Consult with a Department-licensed electrician or NYS-licensed engineer. Electrical work must be performed by (or under the supervision of ) a Licensed Electrician.
  10. How do I find additional information?

    See the Compliance section of the Department’s website or call the Administrative Enforcement Unit at (212) 393-2405. You may also visit the Environmental Control Board’s website.

     

Contact Information for ECB Violations

Environmental Control Board

The ECB adjudicates violations in all five boroughs. Contact the applicable ECB office for hearing information, to reschedule a hearing, for decision information and to pay an ECB penalty.


Bronx 
Queens
3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
144-06 94th Avenue, 1st Floor
(718) 993-6110 
(718) 298-7300
Brooklyn 
Staten Island
9 Bond Street, 7th Floor 350 St. Marks Place, 1st Floor
(718) 923-6100 (718) 815-8385
Manhattan
66 John Street, 10th Floor
(212) 361-1400


Department of Buildings’ Administrative Enforcement Unit (AEU)

Contact AEU to certify a correction, for information on how to correct a specific violation or to inquire about a violation.

Administrative Enforcement Unit
280 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 393-2405 or www.nyc.gov/dobhelp

Telephone inquiries accepted for general compliance information.
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Note: For information on ECB penalties, stipulations, reschedules or adjournments of Notices of Violations, contact the Environmental Control Board directly.


Helpful Links