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For Immediate Release
April 22, 2019

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 ninth annual Department of Buildings No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program. This 45-day 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 Construction Codes. Following the inspection, the Department will notify homeowners of the inspector’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 start calling 311 today to schedule a free, no-penalty inspection anytime between May 1 and June 15, 2019. 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.

“Every year we see preventable accidents in our city that are direct result of improper home maintenance.” said New York City Buildings Acting Commissioner Thomas Fariello, R.A. “Taking advantage of this free inspection program can be the first step to protecting not only you and your family, but your bank account as well. It’s a fact - conducting repairs following an accident is far more costly than properly maintaining your home in the first place.”

Since the No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program was launched in 2010, the Department has performed hundreds of these free inspections, keeping New Yorkers safe and saving homeowners precious time and money by preventing potential 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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