Who polices what
New York City splits building enforcement across agencies with sharply different jobs and record systems. Each page below explains what one agency issues, what its records mean, and shows its live numbers.
HPD polices the inside of occupied homes.
DOB polices the building as a structure and everything built, altered or operated in it: construction work and permits, elevators, boilers, facades, cranes, zoning and illegal use.
OATH is not an enforcement agency; it is the administrative court the enforcement agencies bring their summonses to.
FDNY polices fire safety: sprinkler and standpipe systems, fire alarms, exits and egress, storage of combustible materials, and the certificates of fitness the fire code requires for certain equipment and activities.
DSNY polices the sidewalk and curb line: trash set-out and containerization rules, recycling, dirty sidewalks, snow and ice removal.
DOT polices the street side of a property: sidewalk condition, curb cuts, canopies, and obstructions of the public way.