Resolve FDNY HVACViolations VC19 & VC26
A summons is a race against the cure date. We handle DOB document recovery, physical correction, FB-09 filing, and OATH hearing representation — end to end, across all five NYC boroughs.
VC19 — Missing DOB Compliance
Issued when required Department of Buildings documentation cannot be produced for HVAC equipment. This is the more common of the two violation types and is often resolvable without physical work.
- Missing Equipment Use Permit (EUP)
The most common trigger. If HVAC equipment was installed without a DOB work permit and signed-off inspection, no EUP exists on record. FDNY inspectors flag this during routine building inspections.
- No Certificate of Compliance
Required for gas-fired equipment. If the original installer never filed or the DOB record was lost, there is no proof of compliant installation — even if the equipment is perfectly safe.
- Mismatched or incomplete documentation
Equipment serial numbers, BTU ratings, or locations on file don't match what's physically installed. This can happen after equipment replacements, relocations, or building renovations.
- Expired or lapsed permits
Work permits that were opened but never signed off, or permits that expired before final inspection. The equipment may have been installed correctly, but without DOB closure the paperwork trail is broken.
- Prior owner or tenant installations
Equipment installed by a previous owner, tenant, or unlicensed contractor with no documentation left behind. Current building owners inherit the violation even though they didn't cause it.
How we resolve VC19
- 1Search DOB BIS for existing permits, applications, and sign-offs associated with the building's BIN
- 2Cross-reference equipment data plates with DOB records to identify gaps
- 3If records exist but are incomplete, coordinate with DOB to obtain certified copies
- 4If no records exist, prepare new DOB applications and schedule required inspections
- 5Compile all documentation into an FB-09 package with photo evidence
- 6File the Certificate of Correction with FDNY before the cure date
What to Send Us
Not sure whether it's VC19 or VC26? That's fine — submit what you have and we'll triage it. The faster we receive your summons, the more time we have to work within your cure window.
You can email documents to contact@gothamac.com or call us directly at (917) 993-2591.
Summons document
Summons number, violation code(s), cure date, and hearing date (if scheduled).
Building information
Building address, BIN number (if known), floor/unit of violation, and access instructions.
Photos (if available)
Equipment labels/data plates, installation area, any DOB paperwork you have on hand.
Prior correspondence
Any previous DOB or FDNY correspondence, prior correction attempts, or attorney communications.
Questions & Answers
Common questions about FDNY HVAC violations and the resolution process.
What is an FDNY VC19 HVAC violation?
VC19 is issued when required DOB compliance documentation is missing or cannot be produced for HVAC equipment. This includes Equipment Use Permits, Certificates of Compliance, and sign-off records. The violation targets the paperwork, not necessarily the physical installation — meaning your equipment could be perfectly safe but still trigger a VC19 if the documentation trail is incomplete.
What is an FDNY VC26 HVAC violation?
VC26 is issued for physical safety violations related to HVAC equipment. Common triggers include equipment or ductwork blocking egress paths, installations in restricted locations, missing fire protection components (fire dampers, firestopping), improper venting clearances, and unauthorized system modifications. VC26 requires physical correction in addition to documentation.
How much time do I have to cure a violation?
Cure periods vary but are typically 30 to 60 days from the date of the summons. Some violations have shorter windows, especially if they involve immediate safety hazards. If the cure date passes without correction, penalties increase significantly and the case proceeds to an OATH hearing. Contact us as soon as you receive the summons — earlier intervention gives us more options.
What happens if I miss the cure date?
If the cure date passes, FDNY will schedule an OATH (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings) hearing. At the hearing, an administrative law judge will assess whether the violation has been corrected. Without proof of correction, default penalties apply — typically $1,000–$10,000+ depending on the violation type. Even after the cure date, filing an FB-09 before the hearing can significantly reduce or eliminate penalties.
Do you file the FDNY Certificate of Correction (FB-09)?
Yes. Once the condition is corrected and all documentation is assembled, we prepare and file the FDNY Certificate of Correction (FB-09) with supporting proof. The FB-09 package includes photos of corrected conditions, DOB compliance records, equipment specifications, and a written description of the correction. A strong FB-09 is the key to dismissal at hearing.
Can you attend the OATH hearing on my behalf?
Yes. We attend OATH hearings to present proof of compliance and argue for full dismissal or penalty reduction. Our documentation packages are specifically structured for OATH proceedings — including timestamped photo evidence, DOB record printouts, and a clear narrative of the correction process.
What if I don't know whether it's VC19 or VC26?
That's fine — many building owners aren't sure which code applies. Send us the summons document and we'll triage it. In some cases, a single summons may reference both VC19 and VC26 conditions. We handle both types and will explain exactly what's required for your specific situation.
Can a violation affect my building's Certificate of Occupancy?
Unresolved FDNY violations can complicate DOB processes including C of O renewals, permit applications, and building sales. While a single HVAC violation typically won't revoke a C of O, accumulating open violations creates inspection triggers and can delay real estate transactions. Resolving violations promptly protects your building's compliance record.
How much does violation resolution cost?
Cost depends on the violation type and what's required. VC19 (documentation only) is typically less expensive than VC26 (which may require physical work). We provide a clear scope and cost estimate after reviewing your summons — before any work begins. In many cases, the cost of resolution is a fraction of the default penalty.
Do you handle violations for commercial and residential buildings?
Yes. We resolve FDNY HVAC violations for all building types — residential, commercial, mixed-use, multifamily, restaurants, and retail. The violation codes are the same regardless of building type, though the required documentation and correction scope can differ.
Got an FDNY summons? Don't wait.
Every day counts against your cure date. Send us the summons and we'll have a resolution plan back to you within 24 hours.