Failure to repair an unsafe condition in a retaining wall carries a $1,000 per month fine until corrected.
NYC’s No-Penalty, No-Cost Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program Returns
The city has relaunched two programs to help building and small business owners comply with code and maintain safe structures without risk of penalty.
The No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection and No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program initiatives allow owners to obtain free inspections of decks, porches, retaining walls, and business accessory signs to determine if they comply with City safety regulations. If unsafe conditions are discovered, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) will provide guidance to make corrective repairs without issuing any violations or penalties, as long as the repairs are made promptly.
By law, New York City property owners are required to properly maintain their buildings and outdoor structures, such as retaining walls, decks, porches, and signs, in safe and code-compliant condition. Over time, outdoor structures in particular can weaken and deteriorate from weather, age, and lack of adequate maintenance, so it is critical to regularly inspect these structures to ensure public safety. Proactive maintenance also saves owners time and money by addressing issues before they grow into more costly, complex problems.
To take advantage of these programs, owners may call 311 to request a free, no-penalty visual inspection by a DOB inspector between April 27, 2022 and May 31, 2022.
Contact RAND
If you suspect your deck, porch, or retaining wall is unsafe or if you've been notified that repairs are needed, contact RAND at 212-675-8844 or info@nullrandpc.com for assistance. For more information on repairing retaining walls, please see our Ask the Engineer article.
Jimmy Vignola, PE is Director of Technical Design and Structural Team Leader at RAND.
