Sidewalk Damaged by Tree Roots

If the sidewalk in front of the 1-, 2-, or 3-family residential property is damaged due to tree roots, it may qualify for free repair through the Parks Department Trees and Sidewalks Repair Program.

To make a repair request, visit the Trees and Sidewalks Repair page instead.

Sidewalk Not Damaged by Tree Roots

If the damaged or broken sidewalk next to the property is not caused by tree roots, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will inspect the sidewalk complaint. If warranted, a Notice of Violation will be sent to the property owner.

You can report a broken sidewalk next to:

• Residential properties with four or more units
• Commercial properties
• Vacant lots

The Department of Transportation will inspect the sidewalk complaint. If warranted, a Notice of Violation will be sent to the property owner.

The City is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the sidewalks adjacent to City-owned property, such as:

• Public housing
• Public hospitals
• Public parks (perimeter only)
• Public schools
• Public shelters
• Libraries
• City agency office buildings
• Any other City-Owned property

The Department of Transportation will verify that it is City-Owned property and will inspect the sidewalk. If installation, maintenance, or repairs are required, the responsible Agency will be notified.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains many of the overpasses (bridges) and traffic medians for City roadways and highways.

Complaints about a damaged sidewalk under an overpass or on a traffic median or island are accepted.

DOT will verify that it is City-owned property and will inspect the sidewalk. If installation, maintenance, or repairs are required, the responsible Agency or entity will be notified.

As the property owner, you are responsible for building or repairing the sidewalks next to your property and maintaining them in a reasonably safe condition. Regardless of what or who caused the damage, you will be liable for any violations and fines accrued by the damaged sidewalks.

If the sidewalk was broken by someone or something else:

• Document the damage and source of the damage.
• If you do not know the source of the damage, the borough's Permit Office can do a search of construction permits issued on the property for a small fee. The Permit Office's telephone number is on the back of the Notice of Violation.
• Repair and restore the broken sidewalk flags to avoid future violations.
• Retain receipts documenting the cost of the repair and restoration.
• Seek repayment of the repair costs from the responsible party. 
• If the damage was done by a City worker or contractor working for the City, you may file a claim against the City. To learn more, go to the City Claim page.
• If the damage was done by a utility or private contractor, you should seek repayment from them.