In New York City, Who is Responsible for Defective Curbs?
If you live in New York City, you’ve probably noticed that when the curb in front of a property is damaged, it isn’t immediately clear who should repair it. Many homeowners assume it’s their duty since the curb sits directly alongside their sidewalk. Others think it must be the city’s job because it’s connected to the street. This back-and-forth often leaves property owners confused and worried about unexpected costs.
The truth is simpler than most people think: New York City, through the Department of Transportation (DOT), is responsible for repairing and maintaining curbs. Property owners are not required to pay for these repairs. However, there are some details and exceptions that are helpful to understand, which we’ll explain step by step in this guide.
What is a Curb?
First, let us start by understanding what curbs are. Curb is the raised edge, usually made of concrete or stone, that separates the sidewalk from the roadways. Curbs can be classified as either high curbs or curb cuts:
- High curb: The standard, taller curb that acts as a barrier between the sidewalk and the street.
- Curb cut: A lowered or sloped section of the curb that provides access for driveways, crosswalks, or wheelchairs.
A properly maintained curb plays a vital role in protecting the sidewalk from being severely damaged by vehicle traffic. It helps direct the water to the catch basin, for proper drainage, to avoid water stagnation and erosion. In developed places, where there are lots of roads, driveways, sidewalks, and buildings, the ground wears away much more quickly, so curbs are used to stop it.
Does The Curb Belong To Street Or Sidewalk?
According to NYC 311, curbs are officially considered part of the roadway. This legal classification means they are treated as public property, just like the street itself, and are maintained and repaired by the City of New York through the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Many property owners assume that, since the curb is directly in front of their property, it must be their responsibility to maintain or repair it. But, that’s not the case.
What Property Owners Should Know
Curbs are public property. They fall under the jurisdiction of the City of New York. So the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) manages inspections, repairs, and replacements when needed. Property owners do not have to pay for damaged curb repairs unless they choose to handle them voluntarily.
There’s one special case to note that if you decide to repair or replace your sidewalk, the DOT recommends fixing any damaged curbs at the same time to maintain proper drainage and accessibility. In such cases, you’ll need to obtain a curb repair permit. Still, the decision is yours, and you are not legally obligated to cover curb repair costs.
How Can I Report a Damaged Curb?
If you come across a chipped, cracked, or missing curb, you can report it in just a few minutes. Start dialing 311 or fill the complaint form out which is accessible on the official NYC 311 website to report a missing or defective curb. Please give the exact street address so the curb repair can go smoothly.
Once your complaint is submitted, the DOT will assess the curb and take the necessary steps to repair or replace it. The process is straightforward, and you won’t be charged for the work.
Conclusion
To sum up, curbs are part of the street and are considered public property, which means the NYC DOT is responsible for their inspection, repair, and maintenance. Property owners are not financially liable for damaged curbs, though you can coordinate repairs if you wish.
If you notice a damaged or missing curb, simply report it through 311, and the city will take care of the rest. For a smoother and faster solution, you can choose a trusted and licensed contractor who can handle curb and sidewalk work with full compliance.
By understanding how curb ownership works, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and help keep New York City’s streets safe and functional for everyone.