Here are the latest updates on two COVID-19 influenced changes at the DOB (and one costly non-COVID change):
New AEUHAZ1 Fine Doubles To $3,000 Minimum
The DOB just adopted a new rule that increases AEUHAZ1 fines from $1,500 to as high as $5,000 – with some new restrictions for building owners who fail to pay this fine and correct this violation.
AEUHAZ1 violations are administratively (i.e. automatically) issued for failing to correct Class 1 “immediately hazardous” DOB-OATH violations. They’re typically issued within 60-75 days after the initial Class 1 violation is issued. In the past, they’ve carried a $1,500 financial penalty, but this new rule seeks to double fines to $3,000, with a maximum penalty of $5,000.
These increased fines will apply to AEUHAZ1 violations issued on or after 10/3. Older violations will still carry a $1,500 penalty.
Additionally, the new rule outlines that “No permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued and no stop work order may be rescinded at the property until such penalty is paid to the department.”
The tricky part about AEUHAZ1 violations is that they’re issued to building owners, not the named respondent on the original Class 1 violation. That means if a tenant or a visiting vendor gets a violation at a building, and it goes uncorrected (meaning a Certificate of Correction isn’t filed in a timely manner), the building owner will be on the hook for a $3,000 – $5,000 penalty from the city.
If you’re a SiteCompli or InCheck user, you’ll see both DOB-OATH violations and AEUHAZ1 violations for your entire portfolio in your account. Make sure Certificates of Correction are submitted online to the DOB as soon as possible to avoid these administrative fines.
For more details on submitting payment for AEUHAZ1 violations (online only as of November 2nd), see the DOB’s latest service notice.
Mandatory Construction Training Deadline Delayed
Per the DOB’s most recent update, workers now have until March 1, 2021 to meet Local Law 196’s 40-Hour site safety training requirement.
This is an extension from the previously announced due date of September 1, 2020.
As a reminder, specific people at specific construction sites need to fulfill these training requirements. For general FAQs on who needs to be trained (and training requirements for specific roles and positions), visit the DOB’s Local Law 196 page here.
Workers can access approved SST/OSHA classes online and in-person:
- The DOB’s Course Provider Map helps you filter to view in-person courses by location, language, and training type
- Workers can also meet the requirements via 10-Hour or 30-Hour OSHA-certified trainers – get more details here
Do you still have questions about if or how you should comply with this requirement? Reach out to the DOB directly at LocalLaw196@buildings.nyc.gov
License Renewal Process Reminders
Per the Mayor’s Emergency Order, renewal applications for DOB-issued licenses or registrations must be submitted online 30 -60 days from their expiration dates. View the DOB’s reminder notice here.
Renewal applications will not be accepted in person or via mail, and must be submitted via DOB NOW, linked here.
If you have a license/registration that was due to expire from March 12, 2020 through August 6, 2020, it’s been extended and has a new expiration date:
|
Original Expiration Dates |
New Expiration Date |
|
March 12, 2020 – March 31, 2020 |
September 30, 2020 |
|
April 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020 |
October 31, 2020 |
|
May 1, 2020 – May 31, 2020 |
November 30, 2020 |
|
June 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020 |
December 31, 2020 |
|
July 1, 2020 – August 6, 2020 |
January 31, 2021 |
You can read more about extensions here, in the DOB’s Service Notice. Please note that if your license/registration expired after 8/7/20, the expiration date has not been extended and remains the same.
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