NYC Sidewalk Repair

Many in NYC first time home buyers are not aware that by purchasing a residential or commercial property, they are also responsible to maintain the nyc sidewalk adjacent to the property. The nyc department of transportation (dot) came up with a list of requirements to comply with the nyc dot sidewalk regulations. Basically, dot inspects all sidewalks in all five boroughs – Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Their objective is to ensure that all public sidewalks are safe. In case sidewalk is found defective, dot issues a sidewalk violation to the property owner. Dot marks each sidewalk with a flag indicating to the owner that it needs to be replaced. Some defects that could result in a violation include a collapsed sidewalk, a trip hazard, a hardware trip hazard, tree roots, improper slope, patchwork, among others. A letter will be mailed to the owner and it triggers the time within which the owner needs to fix the sidewalk.

The owner has 75 days to repair the sidewalk or face the fine. If the owner does not address the violation in timely fashion, dot will make repairs and NYC Department of Finance will bill the owner with the labor cost plus all the additional accrued expenses. You will not be able to argue the cost of the labor and any work that was performed. That is why it is advisable to hire your own concrete sidewalk contractors. If you deal with your own contractors, you have room to negotiate and decide what kind of sidewalk material you would prefer to use - concrete, asphalt, brick.  Not all material is the same. Things such and quality and grade play an major role in the sidewalk lifespan.

It is important you pick a contractor who is experienced with dot nyc sidewalk repair specifications and has the necessary permits. And after the work is done, you will have to request that dot inspects your sidewalk to confirm that the work conforms to standards and that it was completed. Dot will inspect and dismiss the sidewalk violation if it is done properly. But before you pay any cash or before any work begins, ask to see the permits and licenses and also check for a contractor’s complaint history. Furthermore, always check out at least three reputable references before you hire a contractor. 

In a city like Brooklyn, population is close to 2.65 million people. An estimated total of 12, 500 miles of pathways are being walked on daily. As a result, sidewalk restorations in Brooklyn are unavoidable.