Updated: October 22, 2026
NYC Launches ECB Amnesty and Compliance Program: Reduced Penalties Available Through January 10, 2027
The New York City Department of Finance has opened the ECB Amnesty and Compliance Program, a three-month initiative authorized by Mayor Mamdani and the City Council. The program allows respondents to resolve outstanding Environmental Control Board judgments issued by agencies including the Department of Buildings, FDNY, DEP, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and adjudicated by OATH, at a significantly reduced cost.
Program Details
The program runs from Tuesday, October 13, 2026 through Sunday, January 10, 2027. Savings depend on when a violation went into judgment and whether the respondent attended their hearing. For default judgments, the default fine and accrued interest are waived and the respondent pays the base fine. For respondents found liable after a hearing, accrued interest is waived and only 75% of the imposed fine is due. In some cases, savings can reach 75%.
Eligibility
Judgments entered after July 15, 2026 are not eligible, nor are judgments already included in an agreement with the Sheriff’s Office, a City Marshal, or corporation counsel; violations issued from citizen complaints (such as noise or idling); judgments referred for enforcement; violations converted to tax liens; or violations under criminal investigation. Default judgments entered after July 15 may qualify for the separate OATH-Adjudicated ECB Violations Settlement Program.
Violations Requiring Correction
For judgments that require both payment and corrective action, the issuing agency must approve the correction and DOF must receive confirmation before January 10. For DOB violations, this means securing an approved Certificate of Correction in time. Notably, default DOB judgments that have received a DOB credit may still be eligible.
Important Considerations
Each selected judgment must be paid in full in a single payment, with no partial payments or payment plans, though different judgments can be paid in separate transactions. Any judgment not paid in full by the deadline reverts to its full amount. Participation waives the right to challenge the paid judgment, including seeking to vacate a default. Payments made in full before the program began are not eligible for refunds.
How to Participate
Visit nyc.gov/mysummons and search by name and address, ticket number, or OATH ID. Eligible judgments will be identified, and you can select which ones to pay. Payments can also be made at any Department of Finance business center.
If you’re part of our New York City construction industry and would like to keep informed of new developments and how your project could be affected, we invite you to sign up for our mailing list. We’ll also send you our complimentary, comprehensive guide to New York City DOB’s new Chapter 33 Building Code revisions.
Cahill Strategies Construction Solutions Guide to NYC Building Code Chapter 33 Revisions
Cahill Strategies has developed a detailed and documented guide to the most important revisions that New York construction professionals are likely to encounter every day. We were able to do this because Cahill Strategies has been involved instrumentally in the development of these codes.
The 100-page book is meticulously organized and can be used as a handy reference when many common issues arise. In each section, the specific revisions are highlighted, and the new information is presented in a clear and practical manner with further explanation on why the change is so important. All of this, reviewed and vetted by one of New York’s longest serving, former DOB professionals – Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code & Safety, Bobby D’Alessio.
More on Our Construction Solutions Team
Cahill Strategies is a team comprised of skilled construction industry strategists dedicated to guiding clients through the intricate regulatory and political landscape, resulting in propelling projects within New York City to completion. Our expertise lies in representing large general contractors, sub-contractors, construction management firms, design professionals, and owners/developers.
- Liaising with City and State regulatory agencies such as NYC DOB, DOT, FDNY, DEP, Landmarks, HPD, DOF, DOH, DOE, and others;
- Liaising with elected officials and other stakeholders such as NYC Mayor, City Council, Community Boards, NYS Governor, Senate and Assembly;
- Liaising with public utilities, such as ConEd, National Grid, Water & Sewer;
- Liaising with private utilities and telecommunication companies;
- Facilitating submissions to City and State regulatory agencies, Community Boards and other decision makers for project support and approval;
- Consultation on Stop Work Orders, Violations, Commissioner’s Orders and other enforcement actions; and
- Consultation and negotiating fines with the NYC or NYS Department of Finance, and other City and State regulatory agencies.
New York Construction Solutions
Cahill Strategies has experience representing large general contractors, construction management firms, owners, and developers. A key to our success is our vast network of decision makers that we have the ability to reach on your behalf. Additionally, our team is involved in the legislative and regulatory processes at the Federal, State, and Local levels which affect the construction industry in New York State, New York City, and surrounding regions. We possess the knowledge of industry standards and trends, along with key relationships that will bring your projects to fruition. Read more…
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Get to know Bobby D’Alessio
Robert “Bobby” D’Alessio, is a former New York City Department of Buildings Senior Executive Director of Construction Safety. Mr. D’Alessio’s focus is predominately in the areas of construction code and safety analysis for our clients’ major new building and renovation projects in the New York City and surrounding regions.
As Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code and Safety, Bobby brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and practical experience to our growing construction solutions practice area.
Cahill Strategies Welcomes Former NYC DOB Director of Construction Safety Enforcement, Bernie Ross
Cahill Strategies Welcomes Former NYC DOB Director of Construction Safety Enforcement, Bernie RossIt is with great pleasure that Cahill Strategies welcomes veteran DOB safety leader Bernie Ross as Senior Construction Safety Associate.
Bernard “Bernie” Ross is former New York City Department of Buildings Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. With more than 20 years serving the DOB as a Construction Inspector, Supervising Inspector, Director Major Projects, and finally, Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. Read more about Bernie here…
Get to know Kevin Moran
Kevin, the Vice President of Construction Solutions at Cahill Strategies, brings a wealth of experience in the New York construction industry to his role. He has a strong track record of guiding clients through complex building processes, with a range of successful projects under his belt, including commercial and residential developments, infrastructure and transportation projects, and various utility matters.
