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For Immediate Release:
April 5, 2024

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS REMINDS PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & CRANE OPERATORS TO INSPECT THEIR SITES FOLLOWING TODAY’S EARTHQUAKE

The New York City area experienced a 4.7 magnitude earthquake at approximately 10:23 a.m. this morning, Friday, April 5. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to inspect their construction sites, buildings, and equipment to ensure that they are properly secure and in safe working order. Construction contractors have a legal responsibility to keep their sites in a safe and code compliant condition.

All contractors must inspect their work sites for potential damage or unsafe conditions and report any issues immediately to the Department. Buildings, construction sites, cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists, and any other building appurtenances that may have come loose as a result of the earthquake. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. The Department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings. New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

The Department will be adding extra engineering and inspection staff over the weekend, in order to respond to any reports of building damage, and to perform random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action -- issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

Department special advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties during emergencies and cannot be read to suggest that the Department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.