If you own property in New York City, you are responsible for the sidewalk in front of it. When NYC DOT finds a defect such as cracked, raised or broken flags, trip hazards or an improper slope, it can issue a Notice of Sidewalk Violation. Here is what that means and how to clear it.
What a sidewalk violation means for you
- There is no fine attached to the violation itself.
- A copy is filed with the County Clerk and stays on record until the City confirms the repair. That can complicate selling or refinancing your property.
- You can be held liable if someone is hurt because of a defect you did not fix.
You have 75 days to make the repair
According to NYC DOT, a property owner has 75 days to make the repair after receiving the notice. The clock starts on the date you received it by certified mail, or the date it was posted if it was not mailed. If the work is not done, DOT can hire its own contractor and the Department of Finance will bill you. Getting a permit does not extend the 75 days, so do not wait.
Step 1: Hire a licensed contractor who knows DOT specs
Sidewalk work has to meet NYC DOT specifications for concrete thickness, joints, slope and curb lines. Before you hire anyone, check that they hold a license with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and carry insurance.
Step 2: Get a sidewalk permit
A sidewalk permit is required for the work. Contractors apply through NYC DOT online. The DOT fee is $70 for every 300 linear feet of sidewalk on one property, and corner lots may need more than one permit. At Golden Stone Construction, we pull the DOT permit for you.
Step 3: Do the repair to code
The defective flags are removed and replaced with new concrete poured and finished to DOT standards. If a City tree caused the damage, check first: NYC Parks handles tree-root sidewalk damage for many one-, two- and three-family homes, and cutting or shaving the roots of City trees is prohibited.
Step 4: Request a dismissal inspection
When the work is finished, request a Sidewalk Violation Dismissal Inspection through NYC 311. Have your permit number, address, block and lot, violation number and contact information ready, and make sure the whole sidewalk is visible on inspection day. Once the inspection passes, the violation is dismissed.
We handle it from start to finish
Golden Stone Construction removes NYC sidewalk violations every week: inspection, DOT permit, concrete work and help with the dismissal request. Learn more about our sidewalk violation removal service.
Have a sidewalk violation? Call Golden Stone Construction Inc. at (718) 313-8233 or request a free estimate. We are licensed (NYC Home Improvement Contractor License #2106387-DCA), fully insured and serve all five boroughs.