As much as sidewalk violations can be annoying in NYC, it is possible to get them sorted out within the shortest time possible. A violation from the DOT is that the sidewalk has damages or conditions that are not safe for pedestrians to be on. Now, let me explain how to clear this violation in the most basic steps possible.
Understanding the Sidewalk Violation
A sidewalk violation occurs when the DOT comes and assesses your sidewalk and determines that it has defects such as cracks, uneven surfaces, or trip hazards. These violations are not fines, but they are a notice to repair your sidewalk which you have to do within 30 days of being served with the violation. If you fail to do so, the city will come and repair the problem on your behalf, and you will be charged for their services. Thus, it is more appropriate to address the problem independently as soon as possible.
Steps to Clear the Violation
If you know what to do, the process is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Get the Notice of Violation
Once you get the violation, make sure you read it well. The notice will state what is wrong with the sidewalk you use to get to your house. You have to fix all the problems mentioned on the notice and therefore you should be keen on details.Inspect the Sidewalk Yourself
Spend a couple of minutes examining the sidewalk. These are the areas that may require repair and can be observed as cracks, raised sections, or any other damages mentioned in the notice. If you are unsure of what to look for, then take a picture of the area and compare it with the description given by the violation notice.Avoid Hiring Unprofessional Contractors
To fix the sidewalk, you must use a licensed contractor. This is very important because the city needs repairs to bring them to standard. Ensure that the contractor has dealt with sidewalk repairs in New York City. Demand references and see if they have the right licenses. You can check this guide for hiring licensed contractors in Brooklyn.Obtain the Right Permissions
Your contractor must get a sidewalk repair permit before beginning the work. This is required by the DOT. It is easy, and your contractor will do it for you. As long as they show you the permit before they start the repair, then it’s fine. Learn more about permits here.Complete the Repairs
After the permit is granted, your contractor will begin the construction. It takes some days to repair the scratched surface depending on the extent of the damage. This is to ensure that the contractor does not create future issues regarding the DOT guidelines. If you’re wondering when is the right time to repair, check this article.Schedule a Reinspection
Once the repairs are completed, you have to inform the DOT that you would like them to come and reinspect the site. The inspector will also come to the site to check if the repairs have been done to their satisfaction. If all is well, they will clear the violation.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
If you are handling sidewalk violations, it is very easy to make mistakes that will complicate the process. Here are some things to avoid:
- Ignoring the Violation: Don’t ignore the notice. The city will bill you for the repairs and it tends to cost even more than if you were to do it on your own.
- Hiring Unlicensed Contractors: One must always ensure that the contractor has a valid license. Unlicensed contractors may not adhere to the DOT guidelines.
- Skipping Permits: Failure to obtain permits for repairs increases the chances of other violations. Ensure that your contractor obtains the required permits.
Why Clearing the Violation Is Important
It is not only about avoiding charges when clearing the violation. It’s also about ensuring that your sidewalk is safe for pedestrians to use as and when they want. Cracks on the sidewalk create tripping hazards, and if a person falls and gets injured, you may be held responsible. Also, the sidewalk in a good state contributes to the outlook of the property.
The Cost of Repairs
Sidewalk repair costs depend on the level of damage done on the sidewalk. The cost of each repair ranges between $1,000 and $5,000 on average. For contractors who you are unable to pay cash, they usually have flexible payment options. You should probably talk about this with the professional you decide to work with. For guidance, check this resource.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t have to be stressful to clear a sidewalk violation in NYC. The best thing is to move fast, stick to the outlined process, and involve the experts. This way, you solve the problem before it gets worse, which not only helps you avoid spending your money but also protects all the people who use your sidewalk. So if you follow the steps that I have shared above, you will not have any problems from the beginning till the end. Contact professionals here.