How to Handle a Sign Violation (S)
S is the sign code in a Department of Buildings violation number. The types page gives that letter one meaning: sign. ES is electric sign, a different code. The notice states the condition. Whether a sign needs a permit is a separate question, covered at do I need a permit for signs in New York. This page is the violation, not that permit article.
Read the notice
Confirm the number uses S as the type code, not ES. An asterisk means the types page marks the item dismissed. An outdoor sign on a display structure without a permit is one charge in the classification table. It is not a second letter on the types page.
Older summonses say ECB. Current pages call that hearing path an OATH summons. OATH holds the hearing. OATH is not part of the Department of Buildings and does not issue the summons. Illegal signs may receive multiple OATH violations. A DOB violation, by contrast, has no court appearance. Read each paper.
If a class is printed, Class 1 is immediately hazardous, Class 2 is major, and Class 3 is lesser. For outdoor advertising, the rule treats the Class 1 penalty as an economic disincentive that is necessary, and the Class 2 penalty as one that is appropriate rather than necessary. The class is still severity. The letter S does not set it. On a summons, read the hearing date and any cure date. Paying the penalty does not close the Department record.
What the city is requiring
Follow the condition on the notice. The Sign Enforcement Unit enforces Building Code Chapter 5 for existing outdoor advertising and illegal signage. Signs must comply with the Construction Codes, the Zoning Resolution, and the Rules of the City of New York.
An accessory sign directs attention to a business at the sign’s location. It is often called a business or on-premises sign. An advertising sign directs attention to goods or services somewhere else and is allowed only in certain zoning districts. A construction sign is required during construction or demolition. A non-commercial sign is neither an advertising sign nor an accessory sign.
The classification table names outdoor-advertising charges, including failure to comply with a Commissioner’s sign order, a sign on a display structure without a permit, a sign contrary to construction documents, engaging in the outdoor advertising business without a valid registration, failure to post required information at the sign, and an advertising sign that is not permitted in a specified commercial or manufacturing district. Use the charge that is printed.
The sign page states that Class 1 penalties for a first offense are $10,000 each and later violations are $25,000 each, and that Class 2 first offenses typically range from $800 to $1,250. Correction must be by a licensed sign hanger if that applies. Hoisting, lowering, hanging, or attaching an outdoor sign must be performed or supervised by a licensed sign hanger. Posting advertising on a sidewalk shed is illegal, except a temporary sign when the shed hides an existing legal business sign.
What S & M Expediting handles
S & M Expediting researches the sign violation, including whether it is a DOB violation or an OATH summons. They prepare and file the certificate of correction and the related Department filings, and they follow them. When the paper is a summons, they can appear at the OATH hearing.
They are Class 2 filing representatives, never Class 1. We will work with the sign hanger you have, or if not, we will recommend one from our network. violation removal is the research and the filings.
Who does the corrective work
A licensed sign hanger does the correction when the sign rules require one. We will work with the sign hanger you have, or if not, we will recommend one from our network.
Call us at 718-833-2333 or email info@sandmexpediting.com. Bring the S notice. If you also have an ES paper, keep it separate. S & M Expediting is a New York City certified minority- and women-owned business.
