You recently got a letter from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and it is a sidewalk violation notice. Don’t panic! That little piece of paper might seem intimidating, but when armed with the right information and support, sidewalk violation removal NYC can be easy.
What Exactly Is a DOT Sidewalk Violation?
The reason behind the sidewalk violation issued by the DOT is quite simple. The sidewalk in front of your property is either cracked, broken or in some form deteriorating, showing utter neglect. Common issues include:
- Chipped/broken curbs
- Improper slope or grading
- Tree root damage
- Cracked or uneven concrete slabs
- Improper materials
These violations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape – they are about public safety. Sidewalks that are not in good condition may cause trips and falls, resulting in injury and possible liability problems for property owners.
The 75-Day Countdown: Why You Shouldn’t Wait
The moment you are handed a sidewalk violation, the countdown begins. You have 75 days to resolve the problem, or the city will “fix” it for you via their Emergency Repair Program.
Here’s why you don’t want the city to fix it:
- You will have no control over the contractor selection
- The repair costs are almost always overpriced
- The city will add administrative fees (sometimes up to 75% more!)
- The bill becomes a lien against your property if unpaid
The Right Way to Handle Your Sidewalk Violation
Step 1: Understand Your Notice
Go through the details of a violation thoroughly. It has information on what needs to be done and the time in which it is supposed to be done.
Step 2: Get the Required Permits
Before any sidewalk work begins, you will need permits from the DOT. This includes:
- Sidewalk Construction Permit
- Street Opening Permit (if needed)
- Tree work permit from Parks Department (if tree roots are involved)
Step 3: Hire the Right Contractor
This is where we come in! At Zicklin Contracting, with over 20 years of experience serving all five boroughs, we specialize in sidewalk violation removal NYC and can handle the entire process for you.
Step 4: Complete the Repairs
Professional sidewalk repair near me services like ours ensure the work meets all NYC requirements. We handle everything from removing the damaged sections to pouring fresh concrete and ensuring proper curing.
Step 5: Schedule a Dismissal Inspection
After repairs are complete, you will need the DOT to inspect and dismiss the violation. Our team coordinates this final step to ensure everything is properly documented.
