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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Sanitation / DSNY-SAN-020
Sanitation — Graffiti on Property (Building or Street Furniture)
Regulation
Sanitation · NYC DSNY / Anti-Graffiti Task Force · NYC Admin Code §10-117; 16 RCNY §1-02
Sanitation — Graffiti on Property (Building or Street Furniture) is enforced by NYC DSNY / Anti-Graffiti Task Force under NYC Admin Code §10-117; 16 RCNY §1-02. Severity default: Low.
The regulation
Property owners are required to remove graffiti from their buildings and from city-permitted street furniture they control. Unabated graffiti on a privately-owned facade is subject to DSNY removal and the costs may be billed to the owner.
What to photograph
- spray-painted tags or designs on a building facade
- graffiti on pull-down security gates of a storefront
- scrawled writing on mailboxes, phone booths, or utility cabinets
- persistent graffiti visible on a property with no removal underway
How to file a complaint
- Photograph trash, bags, or spill at the curb with building address visible.
- Note time of day — set-out time violations require proof of early placement.
- File at 311 under Dirty Conditions or Sanitation.
- For commercial waste, note business name on signage if visible.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DSNY / Anti-Graffiti Task Force.
Penalties & fines
DSNY fines range from $50–$500+ for set-out time, containerization, and dirty-area violations. Repeat commercial offenders may face escalated penalties.
What happens after you file
DSNY Sanitation Enforcement inspects and may issue Notices of Violation. Residential issues may be referred to property management; commercial routes get BIC oversight.
SidewalkSnitch supports photo analysis for sanitation complaints.
Draft a filing in the appFAQ
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.