What Does It Mean to Have an Open Building Violation?

Open Violations: What Does It Mean to Have an Open Building Violation?

If you own a property, you may come across the term “open building violation”—often during inspections, refinancing, or when selling a building. Understanding what it means can help you avoid delays, fines, and stress.

What Is an Open Building Violation?

A building violation is issued when a property does not meet local building or safety codes. A violation is considered open when the problem has not been officially resolved—even if repairs were already made. Simply fixing the issue isn’t enough: the city or agency must confirm the correction and close the violation.

Common Reasons Violations Stay Open

Open violations often involve:

Work done without proper permits
Safety issues like faulty stairs or exposed wiring
Illegal alterations or conversions
Missing or expired Certificates of Occupancy
Uncorrected maintenance problems

Some violations can come with ongoing fines until they are closed.

Why Open Violations Matter

Open violations can:

Delay selling or refinancing your property
Lead to fines and penalties
Prevent permits for new work
Create legal or safety risks

Many buyers and lenders won’t move forward until violations are cleared.

How Are Open Violations Closed?

Closing a violation usually requires:

Correcting the issue properly
Filing the right paperwork
Passing inspections if needed
Receiving official confirmation that the violation is closed

The process can be confusing—especially for older or long-standing violations.