Frequently Asked Questions

An NOV is an official warning from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) stating that a property violates local building codes or zoning laws. It must be corrected by a deadline or penalties will apply. 

A "Red Tag" is a visible notice placed by DBI indicating a serious building code violation. It often restricts use of part or all of a property until the issue is resolved legally. 

You may be fined monthly (typically $111/month), charged reinspection fees ($181/hr), administrative costs ($111/hr), and eventually face liens or legal action.

Yes. DBI applies a 9x penalty (900%) on the permit fee for any unpermitted work.

Yes—most NOVs require a building permit or trade permit (plumbing, electrical, etc.). Work done without permits must be legalized, often with penalties.

Fix City Violations stands out from other consulting firms due to our focus on data-driven solutions and our commitment to delivering measurable results.

Simple cases (no permit) can be cleared in 1–3 weeks. Permit-required violations typically take 1–3 months. Rush services are available. 

• NOV review 
• Contractor coordination
• Permit filing
• DBI communication
• Site inspection prep
• Violation clearance and “COMPLIED” letter

Yes. We offer DBI hearing prep and attendance. Note: the NOV itself is not appealable, only enforcement orders (within 10 days) 

Yes—but it’s complex. You’ll need to navigate DBI filings, hire contractors, manage inspections, and ensure full compliance. Many property owners prefer hiring professionals to avoid delays and escalating fees. 

We handle the entire NOV process: reviewing violations, pulling permits, assigning licensed contractors, coordinating with DBI, and clearing your violation file quickly and legally.

Fix City Violations works with clients of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations. We also work with non-profit organizations and government agencies.

The duration of an engagement with Fix City Violations varies depending on the complexity of the project. We work with clients on both short-term and long-term projects.

Upload your NOV to FixCityViolations.com or email it to FixCityViolations@gmail.com . We’ll review it and send a step-by-step fix plan + permit estimate within 1 hour.