A Guide to Removing DOT Sidewalk Violations in NYC

Receiving a violation notice means your sidewalks are hazardous to use. Notice means you have to fix the DOT damages identified by the Department of Transportation. You have a time of 75 days to get them fixed.

We understand that this process can be overwhelming for you and therefore, we are here to guide you through the entire process of getting the violation dismissed.

Reasons Why DOT Violations Occur

Any factor that damages your sidewalks and makes them unsafe to use leads to a DOT violation. Let us have a look at these one by one.

Tree Root Invasion: Damages to the concrete surface, whether they are cracks or raised slabs, because of tree root invasion can be hazardous and a DOT violation.

Weather Conditions: Expanding or contracting concrete due to a hot or cold temperature or freeze-thaw cycle can deteriorate sidewalks over time, creating big cracks and potholes and sinking slabs. All these damages are DOT violations.

Construction Machinery: During construction work, usually the contractors might place their heavy machinery on sidewalks and cause them to crack. Which can also lead to tripping hazards and a violation notice.

Utility Work: Your sidewalks can get damaged during the utility repair work. It is the responsibility of the NYC government to fix any damage that occurred on your sidewalks during construction work. 

How to Address DOT Violations?

After receiving the notice, it’s essential to take immediate action. You can follow a step-by-step approach for quick, efficient, and hassle-free repairs.

Understand the Violation: Carefully review the notice to identify the specific issues with your sidewalk. Take photos of the damaged area for documentation.

Hire a Licensed Contractor: Choose a reputable contractor specializing in sidewalk repairs. Ensure they have the necessary licenses and insurance.

Obtain Permits: Your contractor will assist you with the process of applying for the necessary permit from the Department of Transportation. 

Complete Repairs: after receiving the permit, schedule the repair with your contractor. The contractor will restore your sidewalk to its original condition within the required time. You can oversee the repair process to ensure it's done as per city guidelines.

Request a Violation Dismissal: Once the repairs are complete, your contractor will contact the DOT to schedule an inspection. If the work meets the DOT's standards, the violation will be dismissed.

What Happens If You Fail To Remove The Violations?

Ignoring the violation notice and not fixing it within the required time can lead to serious consequences, including:

DOT-Initiated Repairs: DOT hires contractors to get your sidewalks fixed at your expense, but these repairs can be costly and put a strain on your pocket.

Lien on Your Property: After repairing your sidewalk, DOT sends you a bill. Being unable to pay the repair cost within 90 days results in a lien on your property, which makes it difficult for you to sell your property.

Legal Lawsuits: If someone trips and gets injured on your sidewalks, you will be held liable for the injuries they sustain. They might even file a legal lawsuit against you.

How to Prevent Future Damages? 

To reduce the risk of future damages that lead to DOT violations, consider the following preventive measures:

• Regular Inspection: Conduct periodic inspections of your sidewalk to identify any potential issues with our sidewalk.
• Resurfacing and Sealing: resurface the concrete if you see minor wear and tear and seal the repairs to increase its durability.
• Tree Root Management: Trim your tree roots regularly so that they don’t put pressure on your concrete sidewalks and damage the surface.
• Proper Drainage: Ensure that the water is draining away from the sidewalks to prevent erosion.
• Timely Repairs: Address sidewalk damages as soon as you see them to prevent extensive future damage.

What to Do if You Have Received a Wrong Violation Notice?

If you have received a wrong violation notice, you can make an appeal at the Department of Transportation for a re-inspection. Follow a step-by-step process to resolve the issue:

Review the Notice: the first thing you should do is to verify if the notice is issued to your property and address the violations listed. If you don’t agree with the notice, you can go to the next step.

Gather Evidence: To support your claim, take a photo of your sidewalk. 

Contact the DOT: Fill out the application for re-inspection and provide the evidence of your sidewalks.

After considering your notice, DOT will send their inspector for a re-inspection and get the sidewalk condition assessed. If your claim is valid, they will dismiss the violation.

Conclusion 

Receiving a violation notice can be overwhelming but by understanding the violation and taking the right actions, you can get it dismissed in no time. Taking professional help after receiving the notice is an efficient choice to avoid the hassle.

Qualified professionals have years of experience, which allows them to have a better understanding of the city's rules and regulations. With them by your side, you can rest assured that your sidewalks are safe for everyone to use.