Here’s good news if you owe New York City money for a violation: The city has launched its “Forgiving Fines” amnesty program to help resolve fines issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB), Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), and other city agencies.
Up until December 12, 2016, the city will reduce penalties and interest for many violations in judgement before the Environmental Control Board (ECB). A violation in judgement means the city has filed a public record of the violation with the amount owed plus penalties and interest.
Under the amnesty program, penalties and interest may be eliminated, and an additional 25% discount off the original base penalty amount may be applicable.
The program covers two types of violations: those that require payment only (“Schedule A” violation), and those that require both payment and corrective action (“Schedule B”).
To meet the amnesty requirements, Schedule A fines must be paid in full by December 12, 2016. For schedule B fines, at least 25% of the amount due must be paid by December 12, 2016 and the violation must be corrected and the remainder of the balance paid within six months of the initial payment.
Only judgements filed in court before June 12, 2016 are eligible for the program.
For more information on the “Forgiving Fines” program and to help you clear existing violations on your building, please contact RAND’s Code & Zoning Compliance Team at 212-675-8844; info@nullrandpc.com.
Paul Grissett is Code & Zoning Compliance Team Leader at RAND.
