FDNY violations are life-safety findings. They escalate faster than most.
The Fire Department inspects buildings for fire protection systems, egress and hazardous materials, and issues Violation Orders requiring correction within a stated period, plus summonses returnable at OATH carrying civil penalties.
Because these are life-safety conditions, FDNY tends to move faster than other agencies on re-inspection and escalation. An uncorrected order can lead to further summonses, and in serious cases to an order affecting occupancy of the space.
Building Expediting Systems clears FDNY violations across the five boroughs.
Call 718-291-8555.
What we handle
Violation Orders. Identifying precisely what the order requires, coordinating the correction with the appropriate licensed trade, and filing the certification FDNY needs to close it.
Summonses at OATH. FDNY summonses are heard at the OATH Hearings Division, the same tribunal that handles ECB matters. We are registered with OATH to appear at those hearings on your behalf.
Certificate of Fitness requirements. Many FDNY violations are cited because no one on site holds the Certificate of Fitness required for a system or activity — sprinkler and standpipe systems, fire alarm systems, standpipe pressure, torch operations and others. We identify which certificate applies and guide your staff through obtaining it.
Inspection and testing records. A large share of FDNY violations are documentation failures rather than physical defects: required periodic testing performed but not recorded, or records not kept on premises in the required form.
Re-inspection scheduling. Getting the inspector back promptly so the correction is verified and the order closed.
Conditions we see most
Missing Equipment Use Cards for HVAC equipment installed or replaced without permits · Sprinkler system defects or impairments · Standpipe system defects · Fire alarm system defects or failure to test · Obstructed or locked means of egress · Missing or defective emergency lighting and exit signage · Fire extinguishers missing, uninspected or improperly mounted · Missing Certificate of Fitness for a required system or operation · Fire safety and emergency action plan deficiencies · Improper storage or handling of flammable and combustible materials · Blocked fire department connections · Defective self-closing fire doors
FDNY and DOB overlap
A single physical condition frequently produces violations from both agencies. A defective sprinkler system can generate an FDNY Violation Order and a DOB violation, each with its own correction and certification process — and closing one does not close the other.
This is the most common reason owners believe a matter is resolved when it isn’t. We check every agency before quoting, so nothing is left open behind you. See our full violation removal overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an FDNY Violation Order and a summons? A Violation Order directs you to correct a condition within a stated period. A summons is a charge carrying a civil penalty, heard at OATH. One inspection can produce both.
Who can correct an FDNY violation? It depends on the system. Sprinkler, standpipe and fire alarm work generally requires appropriately licensed contractors, and the paperwork must come from them in the correct form. Corrections certified by the wrong party get rejected.
What is a Certificate of Fitness? An FDNY-issued certification held by an individual, not a company, permitting them to operate or supervise specific equipment or activities. If your building requires one and nobody on staff holds it, that alone is a violation regardless of the equipment’s condition.
Can you handle an FDNY summons hearing? Yes. FDNY summonses are heard at OATH, and we are registered with OATH to appear there on your behalf.
How quickly do I need to act? Faster than with most agencies. Violation Orders carry defined correction periods and FDNY re-inspects. If the order affects a fire protection system, treat it as urgent.
Related
Violation Removal overview · DOB Violations · ECB / OATH Violations · HPD Violations
Building Expediting Systems 71-58 Austin Street, Suite 207A, Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-291-8555 · info@buildingexpeditingsystems.com
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