ECB · Environmental Control Board, heard at OATH
ECB / OATH Violations
You have been summonsed to a hearing, and there is a date on that notice you cannot miss.
What it is
An ECB violation is a summons that carries both a civil penalty and a hearing date. The hearing happens at OATH, the city’s independent administrative tribunal. Unlike a straightforward code violation, an ECB summons is an adversarial proceeding — someone has to appear, respond to the charge, and present evidence. Doing nothing is itself a decision, and it is the worst one available.
If it’s left alone
- Failing to appear typically results in a default decision against the property owner.
- Default penalties are generally higher than the penalty originally charged.
- The resulting debt can be entered as a judgment and referred for collection.
- Vacating a default after the fact is possible but adds time, cost and uncertainty.
How we resolve it
- 01
Confirm the hearing date and calendar it immediately — this is the first thing we check.
- 02
Review the summons for defects in how the charge was drafted or served.
- 03
Assemble the documentary evidence the tribunal will actually want to see.
- 04
Appear at the hearing and present the case on your behalf.
Other violation types
Start with the record
Find the property record first.
The City’s public tools can help you locate the property, permit and Stop Work Order information connected to your notice.