Sidewalk Violations

See https://streetworksmanual.nyc/chapter-four/sidewalk-violation-inspections-enforcement

4.6 Sidewalk Violation Inspections and Enforcement

Private property owners are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining sidewalks abutting their properties. NYC DOT inspects sidewalks for defects and when a defect is identified, a Sidewalk Violation is issued to the property owner and a copy is submitted to the County Clerk's office. There is no fine associated with a Sidewalk Violation. The violation provides a property owner 75 days  to make repairs (see the Sidewalk Repairs section above for further details). If repairs have not been made within the 75 day period, the City may make the repairs and bill the property owner for the cost of the repairs.

Private homeowners applying for Sidewalk Repair Permits who will be making the repairs themselves may apply for permits by mail. If a contractor is being used, the contractor must be registered with NYC DOT and must take out the permit.

After repairs are complete, the property owner can contact 311 to schedule a Sidewalk Violation Dismissal. A dismissal inspection is always required to close out a violation. A Sidewalk Violation will be removed if the work has been satisfactorily completed. View more information on how to respond to Sidewalk Violations. 

see https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/19-152.shtml#19-152 for the nyc law details

see https://citybuildingowners.com/blog/a-landlords-guide-to-nyc-sidewalk-violations/

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has oversight over New York City’s 12,750 miles of sidewalks. DOT inspectors visit properties based on filed complaints and reports of injuries. They inspect the entire block where the incident occurred for sidewalk defects, such as:

• Collapsed sidewalk

• Tree roots

• Trip hazards

DOT issues sidewalk violations as an official notice of sidewalk defects. These notices are not fines; they are notices to correct the defective conditions. However, these violations are filed with the county clerk, where they remain until the city confirms that repairs have been made. Like other violations, open sidewalk violations can also cause issues when selling or refinancing the property.