In a press release dated July 12, 2018, the DOB announced its no-penalty program for Deck and Retaining Wall inspections. The project gives New Yorkers a chance to have their decks, porches, and retaining walls inspected for free and without penalty, allowing them the opportunity to make sure that their porches and decks are maintained in accordance with the city’s building code.
After inspection, the DOB will notify homeowners if the inspection discovered any hazardous condition or if the structure needs repair. If such condition/s are found, the DOB will not immediately issue a violation report but rather give the homeowners a chance to rectify the issue and avoid the penalty altogether. Homeowners who wish to take part in this program only need to call 311 to schedule their free, no-penalty inspection.
Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that decks, porches and retaining walls are kept safe and code compliant in order to prevent accidents and untoward incidents as a variety of factors like weather, soil shifting can cause these structures to wane, decline and lean over time making it unstable and prone to accidents.
As DOB Commissioner Rick Chandler said it is a good idea for homeowners to take advantage of the department’s initiative and benefit both from a safety and monetary standpoint. It is noteworthy to realize that a lot of accidents involving decks, porches and retaining walls are preventable if only we would be more responsible in maintaining these structures properly. It is also more costly to repair them after an accident that maintaining them firsthand.
The No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Walls Inspection Program has been in effect since 2010 and since then the DOB has performed hundreds of inspections, saving New Yorkers time and money through accident prevention. Homeowners are required by law to maintain their decks, porches and retaining walls and keep them safe and code compliant. If you notice any unsafe condition, please feel free to contact 311 to report such conditions.