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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Street Conditions / DOT-ST-002
Street — Cave-In or Sinkhole Around Utility Cover
Regulation
Street Conditions · NYC DOT / DEP · NYC Admin Code §19-152; DEP Sewer Rules
Street — Cave-In or Sinkhole Around Utility Cover is enforced by NYC DOT / DEP under NYC Admin Code §19-152; DEP Sewer Rules. Severity default: High.
The regulation
Depressions, cave-ins, or unstable pavement around manholes, vault covers, and catch basins are priority DOT repairs. Active sinkholes may involve DEP or utility franchisee coordination.
What to photograph
- sunken area around manhole cover in roadway
- asphalt collapsing around utility vault at intersection
- water pooling in street depression indicating subsurface void
How to file a complaint
- Photograph pothole or defect with lane context (bike lane, bus lane).
- File at 311 under Street Condition or Pothole.
- Repeat filings on same block increase repair priority.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT / DEP.
Penalties & fines
Not applicable to reporters — DOT tracks repair SLAs. Severe cave-ins trigger emergency response.
What happens after you file
DOT Street Maintenance schedules patching. Bike lane defects are prioritized when cyclists are diverted into traffic.
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.