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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Construction / DOB-SHF-001

Scaffolding — Missing or Illegible DOB Permit Posted

Regulation

Construction · NYC DOB · 1 RCNY §101-07; NYC Building Code §3301

Scaffolding — Missing or Illegible DOB Permit Posted is enforced by NYC DOB under 1 RCNY §101-07; NYC Building Code §3301. Severity default: High.

The regulation

Every scaffold and sidewalk shed must display a valid DOB permit and engineer sign-off. Work without a posted permit number, or with an expired permit, is an immediately reportable construction violation.

What to photograph

  • scaffold or sidewalk shed with no DOB permit posted at pedestrian level
  • permit sign faded, illegible, or showing expired date
  • construction shed with no job number visible

How to file a complaint

  1. Photograph the site, permit signage (or absence), and hazard.
  2. Capture job number from shed permit if posted.
  3. File at 311 under Construction, Scaffold Safety, or General Construction.
  4. 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.

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