Who is responsible for sidewalk repair in NYC -  Sidewalk Repair Contractors Brooklyn

Who is responsible for sidewalk repair in Brooklyn?

Potholes and uneven cracked surfaces on a sidewalk can be dangerous for pedestrians and easily cause a trip, fall, and physical harm. Sidewalk repairs must follow DOT guidelines and pedestrian safety to maintain a path that is both convenient and safe. A well-maintained sidewalk not only enhances the external appearance of your property but also protects people from injury.

Sidewalk maintenance is a joint responsibility of the city and property owners.  The owner of a property is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalks close to the property. Property owners in NYC who need help fixing their sidewalks can contact Sidewalk Repair Contractors Brooklyn, a local sidewalk contractor. 

New York City's Department of Transportation (DOT) checks sidewalks and makes sure rules are followed. Let us investigate this and learn who in NYC is responsible for sidewalk upkeep. 

Who Is The Owner of NYC's Sidewalks? 

New York City's sidewalks are city-owned, but the owners of the nearby properties are responsible for maintaining them. As the owner of the property, you could be held accountable for any mishaps or injuries brought on by the damaged walkway.

Who Is In Charge of Maintaining Sidewalks?

Making the city a safer place for pedestrians is very important to the NYC Department of Transportation. Do you think the city is responsible for repairing the sidewalk in this case? Now let us share some amazing facts about who is responsible for these pathways.

Property Owners

Mainly, property owners are responsible for fixing up sidewalks. You should make sure that the streets in front of their homes are safe and easy to use. These tasks include fixing any cracks, uneven surfaces, or other risks that could put people walking at risk.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

NYC Administrative Codes 19-152 and 16-123 say that the city is in charge of fixing and maintaining streets in front of certain types of properties, like single-, two-, and three-family homes.

It is also the DOT's job to keep the sidewalks in good shape. The government of the city maintains walkways in parks, public buildings, and on a few other sidewalks. The DOT regularly checks sidewalks for damages and property owners who don't fix them within a certain amount of time risk getting notices from the DOT.

The Sidewalk Repair Program 

For safety reasons, NYC started the Sidewalk Repair Program. Residents can ask the city to improve their pathways through this program. Usually, the property owner is in charge of paying for these changes. But sometimes the city might have to pay for the fixes.

Related Article: How Much Does Sidewalk Repair Cost in Brooklyn?

What Are The Obligations of the Landowner?

The duties of landowners are as follows:

For Private Property

The people who own single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes are in charge of maintaining the sidewalks in front of their buildings. According to that, you have a responsibility to keep the sidewalks in front of your house safe and in good shape if you own a house or a small residential building.

For Commercial Property 

Retail properties, including shops, offices, and apartments, may have different liabilities for NYC sidewalk maintenance. The terms outlined in the lease agreement between the tenant and the landlord will determine this. To determine who is responsible for replacing or repairing sidewalks, it is crucial to review the lease agreement.

Sidewalk Maintenance Requirements for the City Government

The responsibility for repairing sidewalk damage resulting from street trees and their roots falls on the municipal administration of New York. In NYC, it is the Parks Department's responsibility to repair sidewalks damaged by tree roots. If you have a sidewalk that has been lifted by a tree's roots and requires repairs, report it to the city's Parks Department. 

What Are Some Common Reasons For Sidewalks To Get Damaged?

Common reasons for sidewalk damage that can cause injuries include:

If you want to prevent these issues from escalating, hiring an experienced and licensed sidewalk repair contractor can come in handy. 

Impact On Property Owners For Not Fixing Sidewalks

Ignoring sidewalk maintenance can have a lot of drawbacks for property owners. Let's take a closer look at these effects.

Legal Consequences

As a property owner, if you neglect sidewalk issues in New York City run the danger of facing legal penalties. You must answer to the NYC government. The goal of DOT is to provide safe, well-maintained sidewalks for the city's pedestrian population.

If property owners don't fix the walkway, the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) may examine their properties and issue citations. To get your DOT sidewalk violation removed, contact your local sidewalk contractors.

Accessibility and Community Safety 

Sidewalks are essential for the community's accessibility and security. Neglected sidewalks may cause problems for those who walk, especially for the elderly, the crippled, and parents using strollers. When property owners neglect to restore the walkways, they put everyone in danger and make their surroundings inaccessible.

Responsible for Injuries

Ignoring sidewalks may endanger and even injure pedestrians. If a pedestrian is injured due to a neglected walkway in front of the building, the property owner could be held liable for any losses or medical expenses.

Conclusion

The city owns the pathways in New York City. It is the responsibility of property proprietors to maintain the condition of the sidewalks adjacent to their homes. Nonetheless, the DOT is responsible for maintaining public pathways.

Neglecting to perform sidewalk repairs could result in legal consequences, liability for injuries sustained, a decline in property value, and compromised accessibility and community safety. Property owners must address sidewalk issues promptly to safeguard pedestrians and reduce any potential injury that could result from neglecting this duty.

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