In New York City, sidewalks are more than just pedestrian pathways—they’re a shared responsibility between the city and its property owners. If you’ve received a sidewalk violation notice from the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), you’re not alone. Thousands of property owners each year are notified that their sidewalks are unsafe or defective. But once that notice lands in your mailbox, the clock starts ticking. So how long do you really have to fix it—and what happens if you don’t?
The 75-Day Countdown Begins
Once a DOT sidewalk violation is issued, property owners have 75 days to complete the necessary repairs. This grace period is your opportunity to take control of the situation: hire a licensed contractor, obtain the required permits, and ensure the sidewalk is brought up to code. The 75-day window is not just a suggestion—it’s a firm deadline. If you fail to act within that time frame, the city may step in, perform the repairs, and send you the bill.
This timeline is especially important for those planning to sell or refinance their property. An unresolved violation can delay or derail real estate transactions, as it becomes part of the property’s public record.
What Triggers a Sidewalk Violation?
DOT sidewalk violations are typically issued after inspections prompted by complaints, injury reports, or routine surveys. Common defects include cracks wider than half an inch, uneven flags with a height difference of more than half an inch, missing sections, improper slope, and hardware protrusions. Even a small hole or a slightly raised slab can be enough to trigger a violation if it poses a tripping hazard.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If the 75-day period passes without action, the DOT may hire a contractor to perform the repairs. This is known as a city-initiated repair. While it might sound like a convenient fallback, it often comes with a higher price tag than if you had hired a contractor yourself. Once the work is completed, the city will bill you for the cost and may place a lien on your property if the bill goes unpaid.
For eligible residential property owners—typically those with one-, two-, or three-family homes—an installment payment plan may be available to help manage the cost of city-initiated repairs.
The Role of Permits and Licensed Contractors
Before any work begins, your contractor must obtain a Sidewalk Construction Permit from the DOT. This permit ensures that the repairs meet city standards and allows for proper inspection once the work is complete. The permit fee is generally $70 per 300 linear feet of sidewalk.
Only contractors licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) are authorized to perform sidewalk repair Bronx. If the cost of the work exceeds $200, the contractor must also hold a Home Improvement Contractor License. You can verify a contractor’s license status through the DCWP’s online database.
After the Repairs: Requesting a Dismissal
Once the repairs are completed, you must request a dismissal inspection from the DOT. This step is crucial. Without it, the violation remains on your property record—even if the sidewalk has been repaired. To request a dismissal, you’ll need to provide both the sidewalk violation number and the sidewalk construction permit number. A DOT inspector will then visit the site to confirm that the work meets city standards. If approved, the violation will be officially removed from your record.
Special Cases: Tree Root Damage
If the sidewalk damage was caused by roots from a city-owned tree, you may be eligible for assistance through the NYC Parks Department’s Trees and Sidewalks Program. This program is available to certain residential properties and may cover the cost of repairs. However, for commercial properties or larger residential buildings, the responsibility typically remains with the property owner—even if the damage was caused by city trees.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a DOT sidewalk violation in NYC is not the end of the world—but it is a call to action. With a 75-day window to make repairs, property owners have a clear but limited opportunity to resolve the issue on their own terms. Acting quickly, hiring a licensed contractor, and following the proper procedures can save you money, protect your property value, and keep your sidewalk safe for everyone. Navigating NYC’s sidewalk repair rules just got easier Nycsidewalkviolations.com is your one-stop resource for understanding, resolving, and preventing costly citations.