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Fixing DOT Sidewalk Violations

Who Is Responsible for Fixing DOT Sidewalk Violations?

Walkways are meant to keep everyone safe. Sidewalks with holes, cracks and uneven surfaces lead to trip-and-fall accidents. Properly maintained sidewalks will make your home look better from the street and keep people from getting hurt. 

The responsibility of sidewalk maintenance is usually shared between the city and the owner of the property. Avoiding timely repairs can result in DOT violations and heavy fines. If you want to address the damages in a timely manner, you can trust the expertise of local sidewalk repair contractors in NYC. 

With years of experience and reliable expertise, professionals provide repairs that comply with city regulations. However, before hiring exports, it is essential to understand who is responsible for the repairs.

In this article, we will help you understand who is responsible for repairing sidewalks in NYC.

Who Owns Sidewalks?

In NYC, the city owns the sidewalks, but the nearby property owners are in charge of maintaining them. As a property owner, you may be held accountable for any injury or accident caused by the damaged sidewalk.

Common Causes of Sidewalk Damage That Can Lead to Injuries:

A damaged sidewalk can lead to trip hazards and injuries to pedestrians. Let us discuss the reason why sidewalks crack in the first place. 

To prevent these issues, hiring an expert company like Sidewalk Repair Near Me can be a smart move.

Who is Responsible for Fixing Sidewalks?

The NYC Department of Transportation works hard to provide pedestrians with safe spaces. The real question is: who is responsible for sidewalk repair in NYC? Let us discuss some interesting facts about the responsibility of sidewalk repairs.

Property Owners

Maintenance of the sidewalk is one of the main responsibilities of property owners. DOT has advised adjacent property owners to keep their sidewalks in safe and accessible condition. This includes fixing cracks, uneven surfaces, or other hazards that may pose a pedestrian risk.

Department of Transportation

The government of NYC  is responsible for maintaining public areas like parks, public buildings, and roadways. Property owners who fail to fix sidewalk defects within the allotted time may receive a citation from the DOT, which carries out routine inspections to find these issues. 

Community Boards

In addition to resolving citizen and business issues, community boards also help with sidewalk restoration. They receive community complaints regarding the condition of sidewalks and support for repairs in their neighborhoods. These boards work closely with the DOT to guarantee prompt action.

Impact of Damaged Sidewalks on Property Owners 

Not repairing sidewalks on time can lead to a variety of consequences for property owners. Some of them are given below 

Decrease in Property Value

Ignored sidewalks can hurt the reputation and property value of the owner. Poorly maintained sidewalks may put off potential buyers or tenants because they appear to be neglected. Cracked sidewalks can make it difficult to sell or rent property and may ultimately decrease its value. 

Legal Consequences

You may face legal consequences for ignoring or delaying sidewalk issues in New York City. The government of NYC has very strict rules related to pedestrian safety.  The city Department of Transportation may conduct inspections and issue violations to property owners who neglect sidewalk repair. Moreover, you can get your DOT sidewalk violation removed through your local sidewalk contractor.

Community Safety and Accessibility

Sidewalks are important for the functionality and accessibility of the community. Neglected sidewalks can create hindrances for pedestrians, especially for individuals with disabilities, children, the elderly, and parents with strollers. By ignoring sidewalk repairs, you are creating an unsafe and inaccessible environment for everyone.  

Liability for Injuries

Broken and neglected sidewalks can pose safety hazards to pedestrians, leading to possible injuries and accidents. If someone gets hurt on a neglected sidewalk in front of a property., the owner of the property may be held liable for any resulting damages or medical expenses. 

Conclusion

In NYC, the government of the city owns the sidewalks. You are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to your property. However, the DOT is responsible for keeping public sidewalks in good shape. Ignored sidewalks can lead to legal consequences, damage to reputation and property value, liability for injuries, and affect community safety and accessibility. The property owner needs to address sidewalk issues to ensure the well-being of residents and avoid any negative consequences.