New York City enforces its building and construction codes through its Department of Buildings (DOB). The DOB sends a notice of violation, requires you to fix the violation, and assesses a large fine. Fines quickly stack up, mounting to tens of thousands of dollars and even more. If you want to challenge the violation at a hearing in front of OATH/ECB, it seems as though the deck is already stacked against you.
This isn’t right. The Constitution requires that governments provide fair and neutral hearings to evaluate whether you should be held responsible for a violation. The Constitution also prevents governments from imposing excessive fines. New York City is ignoring these obligations, and we’re fighting back.
About the Institute for Justice:
The Institute for Justice is a nonprofit law firm. The Institute sues the government to uphold the constitutional rights of its clients and represents all its clients for free.
Contact Us:
If you have been prosecuted by New York City’s Department of Buildings, we want to hear from you. Please complete the form below so that we may review the details of your circumstance.