Construction violations

13 codified rules in the SidewalkSnitch NYC registry for this category.

Construction — Valid DOB Permit Must Be Visible
A valid Department of Buildings permit must be posted and visible at all active construction sites. The permit must be legible and accessibl…
Construction — Sidewalk Shed Required for Buildings Over 40ft
A protective sidewalk shed (scaffold canopy) is required when construction, demolition, or facade work is performed on buildings exceeding 4…
Construction — After-Hours Work Violation (7am–6pm Weekdays)
Construction work, including noise-generating activities, is restricted to 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Work outside these hours requires…
Scaffolding — Missing or Illegible DOB Permit Posted
Every scaffold and sidewalk shed must display a valid DOB permit and engineer sign-off. Work without a posted permit number, or with an expi…
Sidewalk Shed — Insufficient Clear Path (Less Than 5 Feet)
Sidewalk sheds must maintain a minimum clear pedestrian path of five feet unless DOT grants a narrower variance. Sheds, fencing, or stored m…
Scaffolding — Missing Deck Planking or Falling Debris Hazard
Scaffolds must have complete decking to prevent tools and debris from falling on pedestrians. Missing planks, gaps in overhead protection, o…
Construction — Work Without a Valid DOB Permit
Most structural work, facade repairs, and major alterations require a DOB-issued permit. Active construction with no permit posted, or work …
Construction — After-Hours Work Without Variance
Construction work outside 7 AM–6 PM weekdays generally requires a DOB after-hours variance displayed on site. Weekend work also requires aut…
Facade — Unsafe Loose Masonry or Falling Hazard
Building owners must maintain facades under Local Law 11 (FISP). Loose bricks, cracked parapets, or ornamentation at risk of falling onto th…
Excavation — Unprotected Street or Sidewalk Opening
Open excavations, trenches, and vault openings must be plated, fenced, or barricaded per DOT and DOB requirements. Uncovered holes, missing …
Elevator — Out of Service in Residential Building (Housing)
Residential buildings with elevators must maintain them in safe working order. Prolonged elevator outages in buildings with elderly or disab…
Illegal Sign or Billboard on Building Facade
Signs and billboards require DOB sign permits. Oversized advertising wraps, new signage without permit numbers, or illuminated signs install…
Illegal Conversion — Visible Evidence of Unpermitted Apartments
Illegal subdivision of apartments — separate mailboxes, multiple doorbells per floor, or basement windows fitted as bedrooms — may be report…

How-to guides for construction: Scaffolding & sheds · Construction noise

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