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For Immediate Release: April 29, 2021
Conact: dobcommunications@buildings.nyc.gov, (212) 393-2126

DOB ANNOUNCES RETURN OF NO-PENALTY BUSINESS SIGN, DECK AND RETAINING WALL INSPECTION PROGRAMS
New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to request no-penalty, no-cost inspections

New York, NY – The Department of Buildings announced today the return of our annual No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program and No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program. These 60-day citywide initiatives allow New Yorkers to call 311 to request a free, no-penalty visual inspection of any accessory business sign, deck, porch, or retaining wall on their property. These programs give homeowners and small business owners in the five boroughs the opportunity to ensure that these structures are in good structural condition with no visibly apparent violating conditions. Following the inspection, we will notify property owners of our findings. If we do find any violating conditions, we will withhold issuing violations and penalties for a limited time, giving the owners opportunity to make corrective repairs and make their property safe.

Starting Saturday, May 1st, 2021, New Yorkers can contact 311 to request a free, no-penalty inspection of these outdoor structures anytime between May 1st and June 30th, 2021.

“Our free inspection program is a great opportunity for homeowners and small business owners to make sure their properties are safe,” said Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca. “Any experienced property owner will tell you - simple proactive maintenance today can prevent expensive damage and tragic accidents tomorrow. Taking advantage of these programs can be the first step to saving you cash and protecting your fellow New Yorkers from a poorly maintained property.”

Weather, time, and improper installation can all cause these outdoor structures to weaken and deteriorate over time. It is important that property owners ensure that these structures are up to code and properly maintained. Each year, Department inspectors respond to business sign, retaining wall and deck collapses across the five boroughs. In many cases, our investigations determine that these costly incidents could have been prevented with proper maintenance. By law, property owners in New York City are required to maintain their accessory business signs, decks, porches, and retaining walls in a safe and code-compliant condition at all times. The aim of these inspection programs is to provide a no-penalty service to members of the public so that they can ensure they are meeting this important legal requirement.

Since the annual No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program was first launched in 2005, the Department has performed hundreds of these no-penalty inspections, saving homeowners both time and money by identifying potential safety issues. The Department launched its first ever No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program last year, offering to inspect these business signs at no cost and without penalty. Small business owners are encouraged to take advantage of these no-penalty inspections in order to avoid potential issues in the future.

“This administration has been committed to making New York City the best place in the world to start and grow a business,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “The return of the Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program will allow small businesses to learn and fix any safety issues they may have, without receiving a penalty. We look forward to our continued work with the Department of Buildings in reducing fines and keeping small businesses safe.”

“At a time when so many small businesses have suffered devastating losses due to COVID, the last thing they need is a financial penalty incurred because of a sign violation,” said Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Brooklyn). “I commend the City for bringing back this inspection program and giving business owners the chance to correct any deficiencies without having to pay a penalty that many of them can’t afford.”