How to Check NYC Sidewalk Violations by Address (2026 Guide)
Check any NYC property for open sidewalk violations in under 2 minutes using the DOT NYCStreets portal. Step-by-step lookup, what the status codes mean, and what to do if you find one.
To check NYC sidewalk violations by address, go to the DOT NYCStreets Sidewalk Management portal (nycstreets.net), click Property Search, enter the borough, house number, and street, and review the Violations tab. Any open Notice of Violation (NOV) shows its issue date, defect codes, and 75-day compliance deadline. The lookup is free, public, and takes about two minutes. If you find an open violation, pull the Pavement Inspection Record (PIR) — it dictates the exact repair scope your contractor must follow.
Where to look: the DOT NYCStreets portal
NYC DOT publishes every sidewalk violation in the NYCStreets Sidewalk Management system. It's the same database DOT inspectors use — no login required for a public property search. Bookmark it: nycstreets.net.
Step-by-step: check any NYC address
- Open the NYCStreets Sidewalk Management portal.
- Choose Property Search (not permit search).
- Select the borough from the dropdown.
- Enter house number and street name (no suffix like "St" — the system adds it).
- Click search. Results show the BBL (Borough-Block-Lot) and every recorded violation.
- Open the Violations tab to see status, issue date, and defect codes.
- Download the PIR (Pavement Inspection Record) for the exact defect map.
What the status codes mean
- Open / Active: Uncorrected. The 75-day clock is running.
- Dismissed: Repaired and re-inspected. Nothing to do.
- Emergency Declared: DOT has scheduled a city crew to repair and bill the owner.
- Cancelled: DOT rescinded the violation (rare — usually a mis-cite).
Found an open violation — now what?
- Note the issue date and count 75 days forward.
- Download the PIR. This is the scope-of-work document.
- Get a contractor quote that includes permit, full-slab pour to PIR spec, and dismissal filing.
- Confirm the citation status shows Dismissed in the portal 2-4 weeks after re-inspection.
FAQ
Can I check violations for a property I don't own?
Yes. NYCStreets Property Search is public. Buyers routinely check before closing.
Do violations show up on ACRIS or the tax bill?
Not until the city performs an emergency repair — then the charge posts to your Department of Finance account.
What if the portal shows no violations but I got a notice?
Wait 48 hours. New citations take 1-2 business days to sync. If it still doesn't appear, call 311.
Get your violation closed before day 75.
Free same-day assessment. Permit, repair, and dismissal handled end-to-end.