Who Can You Contact to Report Sidewalk Damages in NYC?

A cracked and uneven sidewalk adjacent to any residential or commercial property can turn a safe and smooth walk into a hazardous one. Fixing these damaged sidewalks to ensure everyone’s safety is essential.

But how to identify the damages and whom to report them to be fixed. The answer depends on the location and nature of the damage. If you want to know who fixed sidewalk repairs, let an expert sidewalk repair contractor help you determine the right course of action. With our help, you will be able to report the damages as early as possible and get them fixed.

The City's Responsibility

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has the primary responsibility for maintaining sidewalks on public property and in residential areas. It encompasses a vast area, with the DOT replacing millions of square feet of sidewalk annually.

How Can You Report to DOT?

• 311: Calling 311 is the most convenient option. When reporting, be prepared to describe the damage in detail, including its location (address or intersection), type (cracked, uneven, raised slabs, etc.), and severity.
• DOT Website: You can report sidewalk damage online through the 311 portal on the NYC.gov website.

Property Owner's Responsibility

In most cases, property owners are responsible for sidewalk maintenance. This typically applies to commercial properties and some multi-unit residential buildings. The New York City Administrative Code mandates that property owners keep their sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition.

How to Identify Property Owner’s Responsibility?

• Absence of Street Trees: Generally, sidewalks with trees planted in cut-outs are the responsibility of the DOT and NYC Parks. Sidewalks without street trees are more likely to be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. If you receive a notice you may hire a professional contractor to remove DOT violations. 
• Commercial Properties: Sidewalks adjacent to shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments are usually the property owner's responsibility.
• Multi-Unit Buildings: In some cases, the sidewalk in front of apartment buildings might be the responsibility of the building owner. However, building codes often dictate specific maintenance obligations for residents in these situations. Consult your lease or building management for clarification.

What If the Damage is on Private Property?

• Report to 311: Even for sidewalks that are property owner's responsibility, you can still report the damage to 311. By doing this, the DOT may conduct an inspection and create a record of the problem.
• Contact the Property Owner: If the damage appears severe and poses a safety hazard, directly contact the property owner. This could involve calling the building management.

What Happens After You Report to the DOT?

The DOT will assess the reported damage. Minor cracks or uneven patches might be included in their routine maintenance schedule. For more extensive repairs, the DOT may issue a Notice of Violation to the property owner, requiring them to resolve the issue within a specific timeframe of 75 days.

Following Up on Your Report

You can track the status of your report through the 311 system. This allows you to check if an inspection has been conducted and what actions, if any, have been taken.

Additional Considerations While Reporting Sidewalk Damages

Following are a few things to consider while reporting damaged sidewalks.

• Emergency Situations: If the sidewalk damage presents an extreme danger, such as a large missing slab or hole, call 311 to report it.
• Time: Report sidewalk damage as soon as you notice it. It helps prevent potential accidents and ensures the issue gets addressed promptly.
• Detailed Reporting: When reporting the damage, provide specific details about the location and the nature of the problem. The more information you give, the easier it will be for the DOT to locate and assess the issue.
• Evidence: Take pictures of the damaged sidewalk, if possible. This visual documentation can be helpful as evidence if you ever need to file a personal injury claim due to a sidewalk accident.

Conclusion

A well-maintained sidewalk is not just safe and functional; it is essential for pedestrian safety and accessibility. By reporting damage and staying informed, you can play a role in keeping NYC's sidewalks in good condition.