Sidewalk Violations: What You Need to Know About DOT Fines and Repairs
If you are a resident of New York City and have recently been the victim of a sidewalk violation, then you should read this article. First, it is essential to have a solid understanding of what a violation is and the consequences of failing to remove it promptly.
Assume for a moment that it is a Monday morning and that you are walking to your workplace when all of a sudden you trip and fall due to a broken sidewalk. Consequently, you must be wondering who is to blame for the injuries you are currently sustaining.
The answer is that the property owner is responsible for your injuries because they are the ones who are responsible for the upkeep and repairs of the sidewalks that are adjacent to their properties.
If you are the owner of a property and you think that your sidewalk needs to be repaired, there is a significant possibility that you will receive a violation notice from the Department of Transportation. Are you curious about the definition of a sidewalk violation and the steps you can take to repair the situation? Read this article to find out more about the role that a sidewalk repair contractor in New York could play in your life.
What is a sidewalk violation?
A property owner has broken a DOT sidewalk violation if they disobey the rules and guidelines that the Department of Transportation has established. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, the government of New York City has imposed more strict regulations. As long as the sidewalk is well maintained, it is possible that accidents and injuries can be avoided.
Who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has stated that property owners have to ensure proper maintenance of sidewalks adjacent to their properties. In some cases, the city government is also responsible for the repair of the sidewalks owned by them. It is important to get rid of the violation on time to avoid any fines or costly repairs.
What are some common sidewalk violations in New York City?
If you are in New York City and you discover a violation of the sidewalk, then you should look for the following defects:
- Sidewalks that have potholes
- Sidewalks that have cracks and bumps
- Sidewalks with tree root damage
- Sidewalks that are shifted or shrinked
- Sidewalks that have tripping hazards
If you are unable to find the problem on your own, then the Department of Transportation (DOT) will send an inspector to your home, who will inspect your sidewalk and issue a violation notice to repair the damage.
Consequences of ignoring sidewalk violations
Ignoring a sidewalk violation and not fixing it on time might lead to some consequences. Below are some of the problems which can happen if you don’t fix your broken sidewalk
- A broken sidewalk can put pedestrians' lives at risk.
- Cracks and potholes caused by water damage are dangerous for the curb appeal of your home.
- If someone falls or trips on your cracked sidewalk, they can sue you for the injuries.
- A damaged sidewalk can also detract potential buyers and make it difficult for you to sell your property.
How do I remove a sidewalk violation in NYC?
After hitting you with a violation, the Department of Transportation will give you 75 days to fix your sidewalk problem. Let's discuss the steps that will help you get rid of the sidewalk violation.
Finding a violation
You might get hit with a sidewalk violation notice in New York City if your sidewalks are not according to DOT standards. In the violation notice, the DOT will state exactly what is wrong with your sidewalk. Regular inspections can help if you don't want to get under the radar of the DOT.
Seeking professional help
Dealing with problems on walkways may require the help of a professional. People who own property can be sure that the right steps are taken by talking to sidewalk repair companies or people who are experts in sidewalk compliance.
Apply for permit
A company that fixes sidewalks will get an opening permit for your sidewalk so that you can perform the necessary repairs. Because they are skilled, it's a good idea to hire them. It will stay in good shape after you hire them to do work on your sidewalk.
Repair process
A professional will look at your sidewalk to figure out how bad the damage is. Once the professional sees what's wrong, he or she will either fix the sidewalk or install a whole new one. In New York City, you can fix a sidewalk violation by getting in touch with a qualified contractor.
Dismissal of violation
After fixing the sidewalk, a professional will call 311 to request a sidewalk release permit. The DOT will then send an inspector to look into the repairs.
A professional company that removes sidewalks will get you a permit to open up the path. There are many good reasons to hire a skilled contractor. Once you hire them, you won't have to worry about keeping your sidewalk in good shape.
Tips to avoid violations
There are a lot of things you should keep in mind if you want to save yourself from a violation. Some of them are discussed below
Regular upkeep
By regularly checking your streets, you can find issues before they become violations. Fines can be avoided if you make a maintenance plan.
Easy fixes
Getting or finding a violation notice can make it very important to fix the walkways right away. Ignoring fixes might cause more harm, put people in danger, and result in bigger fines.
Keeping track of the repairs
By keeping repair files or records for your sidewalk, you can prove that you are following the requirements. Whatever you write down can help you in court if you ever need to protect yourself.
Advantages of timely repairs
You don't have to worry about anyone getting hurt on your land once you fix the walkways and get rid of the trouble. There are many reasons to fix up your sidewalks as soon as possible. Here are some of them.
- A well-kept path makes your home look better from the street and raises its value.
- If your sidewalks are in good shape, they will help you sell your home for more money.
- By fixing your streets on time, you can avoid fines, which is one of the best things about it.
- It will cost less to fix the paths on time.
Conclusion
Walking on sidewalks that aren't well taken care of can be very dangerous and look bad at the same time. As the landowner, you will be responsible if someone trips or falls on your broken pathway. You have to fix problems on the sidewalk by the due date, whether you notice them yourself or the city tells you about them.
Fixing broken pathways and maintaining them keeps people safe and keeps you from getting sued. You can also pay someone to keep your walkways in good shape so that you get more money when you sell your home.