Sanitation — Uncleaned Sidewalk (18 Inches into Gutter)

Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or person in charge of any building shall keep the sidewalk and curb adjoining their premises free of obstruction and encumbrances, including accumulated dirt, refuse, and debris, extending 18 inches into the street from the curb.

• dirty or litter-covered sidewalk directly adjacent to a building or storefront
• accumulated debris, food wrappers, or grime in front of a business
• gutter line filled with refuse extending from a property's curb
• neglected sidewalk with visibly more trash than surrounding blocks

1. Photograph trash, bags, or spill at the curb with building address visible.
2. Note time of day — set-out time violations require proof of early placement.
3. File at 311 under Dirty Conditions or Sanitation.
4. For commercial waste, note business name on signage if visible.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DSNY.

DSNY fines range from $50–$500+ for set-out time, containerization, and dirty-area violations. Repeat commercial offenders may face escalated penalties.

DSNY Sanitation Enforcement inspects and may issue Notices of Violation. Residential issues may be referred to property management; commercial routes get BIC oversight.

• Dirty sidewalks
• Rats and rodents