Donna MichelleReceiving a DOT sidewalk violation in New York City can be stressful, but don’t panic. Understanding the process and knowing how to handle the situation will help you navigate the process with ease. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key facts you need to know about DOT sidewalk violations, and how you can resolve the issue without breaking the bank.
What is a DOT Sidewalk Violation?
In New York City, property owners are responsible for the upkeep of the sidewalk adjacent to their property. This means if your sidewalk becomes damaged, uneven, or unsafe for pedestrians, it’s up to you to get it repaired. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces sidewalk repair laws, and when a sidewalk is found to be defective, the property owner will receive a violation notice. This can happen if there are cracks, holes, or other hazards on the sidewalk that pose a danger to public safety.
What Happens After Receiving the Violation?
Once you’ve received a DOT sidewalk violation, it’s important to take quick action to avoid further complications. Under NYC law, property owners are given 75 days to complete the necessary repairs and schedule a final inspection. During this time, it’s crucial to hire a qualified sidewalk repair company to fix the issues. Once the repairs are completed, an inspector will visit your property to verify that the sidewalk is safe and up to code. If everything checks out, you can request a violation dismissal through an easy online process.
Don’t Wait Too Long—Costs Can Add Up
If you decide to ignore the violation and not repair your sidewalk, the city will take matters into their own hands. The DOT will hire a contracted company to perform the repairs, and you’ll be billed for the work. This can be significantly more expensive than hiring a private sidewalk repair service. By acting promptly and getting the repairs done on your own, you can avoid these added costs and have control over the repair process.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay the Bill?
If you choose to let the city handle the repairs, you’ll receive a bill that must be paid within 90 days. Failure to pay the bill within this period will result in a lien being placed on your property. A lien means that the city has a legal claim to your property until the debt is settled, and it cannot be removed until the full payment is made. If you find yourself unable to pay the bill in full, the city does offer payment plan options to help ease the financial burden.
Avoiding Future Violations
The best way to avoid receiving a DOT sidewalk violation is by regularly maintaining your sidewalk. Keeping an eye out for cracks, uneven surfaces, or any other potential hazards will help you catch problems early. Routine maintenance will not only keep pedestrians safe but also help you avoid expensive repairs and fines in the future.
Conclusion
Although receiving a DOT sidewalk violation may seem like a daunting task, the process is manageable if you act quickly and follow the necessary steps. Taking care of sidewalk repairs promptly, whether you hire a private company or handle it yourself, will save you time, money, and potential legal complications. Keep your sidewalk in good condition, and you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and violations down the road. Should you need assistance with repairs, reaching out to a reliable sidewalk repair company can ensure the job gets done right. Stay proactive and maintain your sidewalk, so you never have to face the consequences of a DOT violation again.
