NYC building records glossary

7 terms this site prints on every building page, each explained with a real record from the dataset it comes from. If you have just read a violation notice or a property tax bill and hit an acronym, start here.

BBL (Borough-Block-Lot) The ten-digit number that identifies a tax lot — and how to read it.
BIN (Building Identification Number) The seven-digit number for one building — and when it matters more than the BBL.
ECB violation A summons with a penalty attached, decided at a hearing — not a notice to fix.
DOB violation classes DOB violations carry a type code and a status — the numbered classes belong to ECB.
HPD violation classes A, B and C grade the hazard. The fourth letter is not a hazard at all.
Local Law 11 (FISP) The five-yearly facade inspection — and what SAFE, SWARMP and UNSAFE mean.
OATH hearing Where a city summons is actually decided — and what the outcomes mean.

Looking for the longer answers instead? The tenant guides cover what to do, not just what a word means.

Look up any NYC building →