Have a New York City Sidewalk Violation Removed

The snow is melting and Spring is almost upon us. Those of you who have gotten NYC Dept. of Transportation Sidewalk Violations know you now need to deal with it. Hire a contractor that is experienced in sidewalk work and has the knowledge to have the violation dismissed.

Steps

 * 1) First thing you need to do is have an experienced contractor look at the sidewalk to determine how much work needs to be done to have the violation removed and your sidewalk cured of any problems.
 * 2)  Sidewalks in New York City are either concrete or bluestone (slate) and you need someone that knows how to deal with these materials.
 * 3)  If you have a tree on the property the Dept. of Forestry can come out and determine what should be done about the tree roots if they are interfering with your sidewalk.  Please note:  Dept. of Forestry no longer cuts tree roots. Only a licensed arborist is allowed to cut roots.
 * 4)  Once hired, a contractor must obtain the necessary permits in order to perform the work.  The curb may also be an issue for the homeowner.  If curb work is sited in the violation the contractor must also assess what needs to be done with the curb.
 * 5)  If the sidewalk is on a designated Landmark property Landmark approval is required prior to obtain the Dept. of Transportation permits that are also required to do the work.  A landmark application must be filed with the Landmark Preservation Commission for approval.  Specifications of sidewalk work must be included with the application along with photos and a drawing of the site.
 * 6)  Once all of the permitting is accomplished the work can begin.  You should wind up with a sidewalk that is pleasant to look at, is pitched properly and no longer has trip hazards!
 * 7)  In order to have the violation dismissed you must then submit copies of the required paperwork to the Dept.of Transportation.  The dismissal process can take about two to three weeks.

Tips

 * Hire a contractor that is experienced in sidewalk work.
 * Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured by the Dept. of Transportation to obtain permits needed. Be advised that more than one permit may be required to perform the work.
 * Someone has to file the paperwork to have the violation removed; it is not done automatically.
 * Deborah Buscarello, Jabus Building Corp.