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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Construction / DOB-CON-001
Construction — Valid DOB Permit Must Be Visible
Regulation
Construction · NYC DOB · NYC Administrative Code §28-105.1; BC §105.4
Construction — Valid DOB Permit Must Be Visible is enforced by NYC DOB under NYC Administrative Code §28-105.1; BC §105.4. Severity default: High.
The regulation
A valid Department of Buildings permit must be posted and visible at all active construction sites. The permit must be legible and accessible to the public.
What to photograph
- active construction work with no visible permit posted
- covered or obscured permit board at a construction site
- construction equipment or workers present without posted permit signage
- renovation or demolition work with missing permit
How to file a complaint
- Photograph the site, permit signage (or absence), and hazard.
- Capture job number from shed permit if posted.
- File at 311 under Construction, Scaffold Safety, or General Construction.
- Mark whether pedestrians are forced into traffic.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOB.
Penalties & fines
DOB violations carry civil penalties from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars; imminent hazards can trigger Stop Work Orders.
What happens after you file
DOB inspectors respond to safety complaints. Missing permits or after-hours work can result in immediate enforcement and work stoppage.
FAQ
Can I file anonymously?
311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings.
Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?
We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.