What is the difference between a stop-work order and a notice of violation?

• A. A stop-work order halts construction; a notice of violation requires corrective action and may carry penalties.
• B. A stop-work order is just a suggestion; a notice of violation halts work.
• C. A stop-work order is issued by building inspector; a notice of violation is issued by the fire department to recall employees.
• D. They are the same.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that one is an immediate safety action, while the other is a formal citation for code violations that drives remediation. A stop-work order is an immediate injunction that halts all construction or activities on a site because conditions are unsafe or not in compliance. It stays in effect until the authority lifts it, preventing further work to protect people and property.

A notice of violation, by contrast, identifies specific code or regulation violations and requires corrective action by a set deadline. It may carry penalties or fines if the violations aren’t addressed, but it doesn’t automatically stop all work unless another enforcement step (like a stop-work order) is issued. Together, they serve different purposes: stop-work for urgent safety cessation, and notice of violation for formal remediation and enforcement.