damaged sidewalk in nyc caused dot sidewalk violation

How Can I Remove a DOT Sidewalk Violation in NYC?

Receiving a sidewalk violation notice indicates that the concrete pathway is defective and can lead to tripping accidents. These damages can be potholes, deep cracks, tree root invasion, soil erosion, or the unevenness of the slabs.

Handling the DOT notice can be stressful and challenging, as you have only 75 days to fix the damages. Efficiently removing the violation requires extensive knowledge and access to reliable sidewalk contractors. 

With local knowledge about DOT guidelines, years of experience in the relevant field, and the use of high-quality material, concrete experts make the pathway safe and damage-free.

Follow the steps mentioned below and make the sidewalks functional, safe, and DOT-compliant for everyone.

Understanding a DOT Violation

As per the duty of the Department of Transportation, a sidewalk inspector will assess your sidewalks and, in the case of damages, send you a violation notice. You may receive the notice due to the following damages:

Tree Root Invasion: Upward tree root growth can cause cracks in the concrete surface and lead to tripping hazards. 

Uneven Slabs: Soil erosion due to water damage can make the sidewalk slabs uneven and can be dangerous for people of every age, especially the disabled.

Missing Slope: Without a sidewalk slope, water drainage becomes difficult, leading to surface damage. Moreover, people with mobility aids can not use the sidewalks in an efficient way.

Deep Cracks: Cracks let the water seep in and lead to further damage. Cracks and potholes are a major reason why people trip and fall on the sidewalks and get injured.

You can learn more about common sidewalk defects in this guide.

Addressing Sidewalk Violation

In 75 days, you must get the violations dismissed and make your sidewalks accessible to everyone.

Understanding Violation Notice: After receiving the notice, read it carefully and understand the violation and the type of service required to remove it.

Find a Local Sidewalk Expert: You can fix the damages yourself but for 100% accuracy and reliable results, hire professional services

  • Keynote: While choosing a contractor, don’t hire the one that has the lowest price. Reduced charges might result in low-quality results. Hire a contractor with a license, good experience, and skills in the relevant field.

Acquiring a Permit: The next step after hiring an expert is to provide them with the necessary details so that they can apply for sidewalk permits. 

  • Keynote: A sidewalk permit for both residential and commercial properties is only valid for 30 days. The contractor must apply one or two weeks prior to work.

Schedule a Date: Once the permit is with you, set a date to work on the violation removal process and start working on the project.

Repairs and Inspection: On scheduled date, professionals will fix the damages as per the guidelines of the Department of Transportation and inspect the repairs.

Violation Dismissal: After completing the repairs, professionals will call 311 for a re-inspection. An inspection will come to assess the sidewalks and, if satisfied, will dismiss the violation.

Factors to Keep in Mind

  • Avoiding timely repairs can put lien on your property
  • Contact 311 to dismiss the violations
  • Working with professional experts will make the process easy and smooth for you

Benefits of DOT Violation Removal

Timely removal of the violations can help in

  • Enhancing the safety and functionality of sidewalks for property owners and pedestrians
  • Avoiding legal penalties and lawsuits filed by the injured
  • Boosting curb appeal and market value of your property
  • Saving on extensive and costly future repairs
  • Complying with DOT regulations

What to Do in Case of Receiving Wrong Violation Notice?

In case you receive a wrong violation notice, contact 311 and make an appeal. The Department of Transportation, after receiving the appeal, will review the notice and get back to you in 180 days for a re-inspection. You will receive the results after a re-inspection.

Conclusion

After receiving the violation notice, the first thing you must do is understand the violation. It will allow you to make a better decision of hiring the relevant service. You can also get professional help and get your sidewalks fixed.

Give us a call today at 718-577-5999 and get a FREE quote for your sidewalks from the experts at Eden Sidewalk Repair in NYC.