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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Construction / DOB-EXC-001
Excavation — Unprotected Street or Sidewalk Opening
Regulation
Construction · NYC DOB / NYC DOT · NYC Building Code §3309; 34 RCNY §2-07
Excavation — Unprotected Street or Sidewalk Opening is enforced by NYC DOB / NYC DOT under NYC Building Code §3309; 34 RCNY §2-07. Severity default: High.
The regulation
Open excavations, trenches, and vault openings must be plated, fenced, or barricaded per DOT and DOB requirements. Uncovered holes, missing steel plates, or inadequate fencing are immediate safety hazards.
What to photograph
- open excavation on sidewalk without steel plate or fencing
- missing or shifted sidewalk vault cover
- construction trench with inadequate barricades or warning signage
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 / NYC DOT.
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.
This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.
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.