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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Construction / DOB-FAC-001
Facade — Unsafe Loose Masonry or Falling Hazard
Law
Construction · NYC DOB · NYC Admin Code §28-305; Local Law 11 (FISP)
Facade — Unsafe Loose Masonry or Falling Hazard is enforced by NYC DOB under NYC Admin Code §28-305; Local Law 11 (FISP). Severity default: High.
The regulation
Building owners must maintain facades under Local Law 11 (FISP). Loose bricks, cracked parapets, or ornamentation at risk of falling onto the sidewalk require immediate DOB attention and may trigger sidewalk cordons.
What to photograph
- cracked or bulging brick facade above sidewalk
- loose stone or ornament visibly separating from building face
- DOB sidewalk shed erected for falling masonry with debris visible on ledge
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.
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.