In some cases, the property owners are not aware of their sidewalk repair responsibility until they get a violation notice from the Department of Transportation. Ignoring a sidewalk violation not only risks hefty fines but also endangers public safety.
The duration of fixing the violation is 75 days from the day you receive it. If you ignore the repairs, DOT might do it on your behalf and send you a bill, but that can be costly. Therefore, handling sidewalk repairs on your own is an efficient choice.
Let us help you keep some essential tips in mind to handle the process in a better way.
Carefully Read Violation Notice
Read out the notice carefully, check the address mentioned is accurate, and ensure the violations are present on the sidewalk. This is cross-verification, which can save you from expensive repairs in case the notice at your name is not accurate.
If you observe that the notice sent to you is invalid or you disagree with it, you can always get help from DOT. Calling 311 or filling out a complaint form at DOT is a quick and easy way to address your concerns. They can offer advice on challenging the notice and guarantee the protection of your rights throughout the procedure.
Hire a Licensed and Qualified Contractor
If you want to fix the damaged sidewalks at once and as per city guidelines, you must hire an experienced contractor. Professionals are licensed from the Department of Consumer Affairs and are fully aware of the construction standards. Moreover, with years of experience and knowledge of the local regulations, they provide services that abide by city laws.
They assess the damages thoroughly and determine whether the repairs can be done or a complete replacement is essential. Moreover, they handle the permitting process and also reach out to the DOT for a final inspection and violation dismissal.
Prioritize High Quality Material
Don’t compromise the quality of repairs, as this is essential for dismissing the violation and attaining precise and durable results. Professional and experienced contractors emphasize using high-quality materials, such as 4000 PSI concrete. This concrete has a mixing ratio of 1:1.5:3 of cement, sand, and crushed stone.
Low-quality materials less than 3000 PSI may lead to premature damages and increase the chance of getting another violation notice.
Consider Extra Repairs
Consider fixing more than just what is mentioned as a violation in the NYC DOT notice. Several property owners usually only do what is asked and end up getting another violation at the time of re-inspection. Even if they don’t receive the violation at that time, in a year or two they might.
Fixing everything, like old flags that could potentially become dangerous to the public in some time, can be an efficient choice.
Keep Documentation Records
Lastly, maintain a copy of all the details relevant to the violation. This includes the notice itself, your response, and any interactions like text or emails with the DOT, receipts, and photographs of the work done. Having these records is crucial for handling inquiries or demonstrating that you have resolved the issue. This proof can protect you from legal lawsuits and penalties in the future.
Conclusion
Handling a sidewalk violation can be stressful, but understanding how the process works and taking the right steps can make it manageable. Remember, hiring experts will make the repair process easier. Following the above tips will help remove the violation, improve pedestrian safety, and enhance your property's aesthetics.
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