Owning a corner property in New York City may leave you scratching your head about permits. Do you need just one to repair your sidewalks, or two, since you’ve got sidewalks on both streets? It’s a good question, and the answer depends on how the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) looks at your property.
It’s true how confusing city rules can get. That’s why we’re here to break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what to expect before starting your sidewalk repairs.
Why Permits Matter in NYC
The New York City administrative code, Section 19-152, places the responsibility of sidewalk maintenance on property owners, requiring them to keep sidewalks safe. That means if your sidewalk is cracked, uneven, or creating a trip hazard, it’s up to you to fix it.
But before you can start, you need a sidewalk repair permit from the DOT. This permit allows you (or your contractor) to break or replace the concrete legally. Sometimes, if you’ll be placing tools, materials, or equipment in the street, you might also need a second type of permit for occupying public space.
Skipping permits isn’t worth the risk. You could end up with fines, violations, or even being forced to redo the work.
The Corner Property Question
Here’s where things get tricky. Corner properties have sidewalks on two different streets. So, does that mean one permit for both or two separate permits?
It depends. The DOT may treat each side of your property as its own section. If your property touches two different streets with different block numbers or street names, the city could require two permits.
On the other hand, if both sidewalks are recorded as part of the same property frontage under one block and lot number, then you may only need one permit to cover everything.
This is where many property owners get confused, and where having an experienced contractor makes all the difference.
When Two Permits Are Needed
The DOT will usually ask for two permits if:
- Your property sits on two different streets.
- Each sidewalk has its own street name or address range.
- The property covers two block numbers or lot IDs.
- Inspectors list damage on each side separately in their reports (PIR).
In cases like this, the DOT sees each sidewalk as its own project, which means separate permits and sometimes separate inspections.
When One Permit Covers It All
Not every corner property requires two permits. If both sidewalks belong to the same block and lot, the DOT may issue just one permit for the whole job.
That means less paperwork, lower costs, and an easier process. Plus, your contractor can repair everything in one go without having to juggle two different inspections.
Still, it’s important to confirm with the DOT first. Guessing wrong could lead to setbacks or denial of your permit application.
Conclusion
So, do you need one permit or two for your corner property? The answer is it depends on how the DOT classifies your sidewalks.
- If both sidewalks are considered one frontage, one permit may be enough.
- If the DOT views each street side separately, you’ll need two permits.
Either way, the safest move is to verify before starting. And if you’d rather not deal with the paperwork at all, let the professionals from Eden Construction NY handle it for you. They’ll make sure you have the right permits, the work is DOT-compliant, and your sidewalks are repaired without stress or costly fines.
