Sidewalk repair in front of a commercial property in NYC, ensuring compliance with DOT regulations and pedestrian safety.

Who is responsible for Fixing Sidewalks in NYC

In NYC, property owners are responsible for sidewalk repairs and maintenance. If someone is injured due to a trip hazard on a sidewalk, NYC Administrative Code (Section 7-210) holds the adjacent property owner liable. 

When Are Repairs Required? 

Sidewalk repairs are needed when there are hazards like cracks, uneven surfaces, or loose pavement that create a risk for pedestrians. 

The NYC Department of Transportation regularly inspects city sidewalks, and if they find a trip hazard, they issue a violation notice to the property owner.  

Once received, repairs must be completed within 75 days. If not done, the city hires contractors to perform the repairs, and the property owner is billed often at a higher cost than hiring a private contractor.  

Another situation where you might be required to make repairs is when you're obtaining a new homeowner's insurance policy or renewing an existing one.  

Typically, the insurance company sends an inspector to check for potential hazards. If they find cracks or damage that could cause someone to trip and fall, you'll need to fix it to meet their requirements. 

What Causes Sidewalk Damage? 

Several factors can contribute to sidewalk damage, including: 

When Do You Qualify for Free Sidewalk Repairs?

If the sidewalks in front of one, two and three-family houses are damaged due to tree roots from the city trees, the Parks Department will repair them through the Trees and Sidewalk Program

Each year, the department receives over 9,000 requests for sidewalk inspections. The priority for repairs is determined based on several factors, including:

However, due to the large number of complaints, it has been observed that even locations with the highest priority may face waiting times of up to three years.

Although the DOT won’t issue a violation notice for tree root damage, it can still pose safety risks, such as trips or falls, which may lead to legal penalties or fines. To avoid these issues, NYC Parks allows property owners to hire private contractors to fix the damage. These contractors are experienced with city codes and can handle all necessary permits. Once the repairs are completed, you can claim reimbursement within 90 days.

For filing a claim with the City Comptroller for reimbursement, you must have the following documents: 

Conclusion 

Property owners are mainly responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks. The DOT plays an important role in maintaining public safety and the integrity of infrastructure. It is crucial for you as a property owner to know what your responsibilities are to keep walkways safe. By addressing the issues promptly, you can help keep your sidewalks in good shape, providing accessible paths for everyone.