Violations on the sidewalks in the city of New York, and specifically in the Bronx, are not just a nuisance; they can also impact the property value of your home, your wallet, and your sanity. Sidewalks are also checked on a regular basis by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ascertain their safety. When property is named with a defect on the sidewalk, it is necessary to take prompt action with an effective strategy to fix the problem before it turns into a concrete sidewalk repair cost. This informative guide takes Bronx property owners on the quickest and most successful method to eliminate a sidewalk offender and restore order.
Knowledge of the Violation Notice
The first course of action when addressing a sidewalk violation would be to learn what the notice entails. Such violations are issued by the DOT when the inspectors discover the cracks, uneven surfaces, damages on tree roots, or other objects that may harm people. The notice will indicate the defect location, outline the type of issue and will give the instruction on remediation. It is worth marking that it is not a fine, it is an order to fix the sidewalk in a specific period of time. Nevertheless, leaving it unattended may result in the city contracting some one to repair the problem and charge you an extra charge that is usually charged at a higher price than had you done it.
Assessment of the Extent of the Damage
As soon as the violation is given, have a look at the sidewalk yourself. Compare the pavement description by the DOT with the real state of the pavement. In other instances, the damage can be small and can be easily repaired. In others it might involve a lot of more thorough work particularly where there are tree roots or when the pavement is close to city infrastructures. In case you feel that the violation has been given against you erroneously; say that a tree owned by the city caused the damage or the utility was the cause, then you may challenge the violation. The DOT enables property owners to request re-inspection or evidence building to dispute the violation although it may be time consuming and in some instances may not be overturned.
Employment of a Licensed Contractor
In order to eliminate the violation within the shortest time, one will need to hire a licensed and insured contractor. The DOT mandates the use of experts to carry out sidewalk repair that must have their names registered by the city. These contractors know DOT requirements and they are likely to make sure that the work does not have any issues in terms of meeting all the regulations. It is better to choose the contractor that is experienced in the repair of the sidewalks in the Bronx as this person will know more about the area and frequent challenges. Request references, check on previous working experience and ensure that they have access to seeking the required permits as soon as possible.
Securing the Proper Permits
Your contractor has to obtain a permit between him and the DOT before any work can be done. This permission is the one that allows the work and guarantees its subsequent inspection after completion. The application normally incorporates use of the information regarding the extent of repair, materials to be utilized and the completion time frame. In others, the permits can be doubted in case of some work when the removable trees are incorporated or may affect the city infrastructure. This is something that a known interviewee contractor will do on your behalf but it is always a good idea to be intrusive and make sure that the paperwork is all in place.
Finishing the Repairs in the most efficient way
At the time of approval of the permit, the contractor is allowed to start working. The intention is to do the repairs within the shortest possible time and secure manner to prevent any additional complications. In building, correct signage and footpath deviations should be put in place in line with the regulations regarding safety. The DOT can make inspections in the repair process to make sure that they follow the rules. When the work is completed, one will conduct a final inspection to define whether the violation can be eliminated. When the repairs are fine according to the standards of the DOT the violation will be closed and you will be granted the confirmation that your property is up to date.
Avoiding City Intervention
A sidewalk violation needs to be dealt with within a short time. You do not find time to do whatever is necessary within the stipulated time and the city can intervene and do the repair with its own contractors. This not only seeps out of your authority about the quality and cost of the work but leaves you with a bill that is in most cases vastly above market rates. Moreover, the city can put a lien on your property until it collects its debts and such a move may complicate any subsequent sales or refinancing. These consequences can be prevented by responding promptly and taking the initiative and remaining in charge of the process.
Sustaining Compliance over the Long-Term
After the transgression has been cleared it is good to take care of your sidewalk to avoid reoccurrence of the problem. Consistent check-ups may aid in detecting cracks and uneven surfaces and other issues prior to them incorporating a violation. In case of any harm, deal with it. There are other Bronx neighborhoods that are eligible as far as the city has programs that will help in the maintenance of the sidewalks and they include cost sharing and tree roots mediation programs. Remaining aware of such resources will assist you in the better management of your property and prevent the occurrence of such violations in the future.
Conclusion
Working on the Bronx property owners, a sidewalk violation is not a reason to panic, it is rather a call to action. Through knowledge of how to do it, the recruitment of qualified professionals and timely action can help you eliminate the violation and bring your property to its proper compliance. The trick here is to remain active, mindful and participatory in the process. With proper attitude, you not only will solve the problem but will also save your own investment and help to make the Bronx a better place to walk. To ensure that you are not lost in the DOT and DOB sidewalk matters in New York City, hire the professionals of Nycsidewalkviolations.com to do the job correctly.