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For Immediate Release
July 12, 2018

DOB ANNOUNCES NO-PENALTY DECK AND RETAINING WALL INSPECTION PROGRAM
New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to request no-penalty, no-cost inspections

New York, NY - Today marks the start of the Department of Buildings’ 8th annual No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program. This two-month long citywide initiative allows New Yorkers to call 311 and request a free, no-penalty visual inspection of their decks, porches and retaining walls, giving homeowners the opportunity to ensure that these structures are maintained in accordance with the NYC Building Codes. Following the inspection, the Department will notify homeowners of the inspection’s findings and whether or not the conditions observed pose an immediate safety hazard or warrant repairs. If immediate safety hazards are found, the Department will withhold the issuance of violations for a limited time, giving homeowners the opportunity to make corrective repairs.

New Yorkers can call 311 to schedule a free, no-penalty inspection anytime between July 16 and August 31, 2018. Factors including weather and shifting soil can cause decks, porches, and retaining walls to weaken, deteriorate, or lean over time, and it is important that homeowners are diligent in making sure these structures are safe and code compliant in order to prevent potential accidents.

“From both a safety and a monetary standpoint, homeowners are well advised to take advantage of this unique program,” said New York City Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler. “Too many preventable accidents result from the neglect of decks, porches and retaining walls, and conducting repairs following an accident is far more costly than maintaining them properly in the first place.”

Since the No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program was launched in 2010, the Department has performed several hundred of these inspections, keeping New Yorkers safe and saving homeowners precious time and money by preventing accidents. By law, homeowners are required to maintain their decks, porches, and retaining walls in a safe and code compliant manner at all times. New Yorkers are encouraged to contact 311 to report any unsafe conditions.

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