The NYC DOT has set safety standards and regulations to provide safe and accessible sidewalks for everyone to walk on. Failure to comply with these standards may result in violations. The property owners may receive a violation notice from DOT that means their sidewalks are defective and have a trip hazard for pedestrians. The notice initially informs you that you must resolve the issues within 75 days.
However, before you dive deep into the violation notice, you first need to understand the regulations that you have to fulfill to make your sidewalk compliant with safety.
The New York City Administrative Code Section (19-152) states that the property owner is responsible for repairing and maintaining sidewalks in front of their properties to avoid accidents and trip hazards. The DOT expects them to keep sidewalks safe, free of cracks, holes, and other hazardous obstructions that could cause an accident.
On the other hand, federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), also establish sidewalk construction guidelines to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The following requirements must be fulfilled to make your sidewalk ADA-compliant:
The DOT inspects the sidewalks regularly. During inspection, if they find any of the following defects, they notify the property owners:
When you receive a violation notice, do not become stressed. Ensure the validity of the notice before proceeding.
You can get help from DOT if you find it invalid. The best way to address your concern is by calling 311 or filling out a DOT complaint form. They can assist you in challenging the notice and protect your rights throughout the process.
If the problems listed in the notice are genuine, you should go for the repair process as early as possible. Consider taking help from a professional contractor who must be licensed from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. They are familiar with local regulations and safety guidelines. From inspection to violation dismissal, they handle everything efficiently.
As per city laws, no sidewalk work should be carried out without a permit from DOT. Even you must get a permit for blocking any part of the sidewalk during the repairs. Any modifications made without city permission lead to fines. Moreover, the city might ask you to remove everything and start over. So ensure that the contractor takes a permit before starting the work.
Quality repairs are essential to address sidewalk defects. The quality and strength of the concrete are determined by the PSI (pounds per square inch). The higher the PSI, the more the concrete will be strong and durable.
Consider using premium 4000 PSI ready-mix concrete for your sidewalk project to ensure long-lasting and durable resilts. Additionally, utilizing modern repair techniques will help you address the issue in the best possible way while providing sidewalks that withstand the test of time.
After completing the repairs with a valid sidewalk construction permit, contact DOT and ask for a re-inspection. Their inspector will visit your site and inspect the repairs. If the repair work meets the safety and construction standards, the DOT will dismiss the violations.
Removing sidewalk violations requires a strategic approach and expert guidance. By acting quickly, hiring a professional contractor, prioritizing quality repairs, and effectively communicating, property owners can successfully remove violations and maintain compliance with NYC regulations.
Remember, seeking expert assistance is key to resolving sidewalk violations promptly and working towards the safety and functionality of NYC sidewalks.
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