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From July 31 until Sept. 15, 2020, the Department of Buildings will start accepting business accessory sign inspection requests from small business owners.
By Forum Staff
The City has launched a new No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program, and restarted the annual No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall Inspection Program, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday.
From July 31 until Sept. 15, 2020, the Department of Buildings will start accepting business accessory sign inspection requests from small business owners. For the first time, DOB is offering to inspect business signage at no cost and without penalty. During the inspection, DOB’s team will come out and verify that business accessory signs comply with City regulations and are safely installed. Small business owners can take advantage of these no-penalty inspections and avoid issues later by bringing their signs up to code if any deficiencies are found. Those interested in the No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program can contact 311 to set up an appointment.
As part of a moratorium from Feb. 9, 2019 until Feb. 9, 2021, the department will not issue violations for business signs that existed on or before Feb. 9, 2019, unless the sign is not eligible for the moratorium for reasons such as being an imminent threat to public health or safety. Businesses are encouraged to contact 311 to have their signs inspected to determine whether they comply with applicable regulations before the end of this moratorium to potentially avoid receiving future violations for signs that are not in compliance. DOB will continue to respond to 311 complaints about signs to determine whether a business’ sign is compliant or eligible for this moratorium.
From July 31 until Sept. 15, 2020, homeowners and property owners can also contact 311 to request a free DOB inspection of their decks, porches, or retaining walls as part of the annual No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall inspection initiatives. By law, homeowners must properly maintain any deck, porch, or retaining wall on their property, and ensure that these structures comply with City regulations. Over time, weather and shifting soil can cause these household structures to deteriorate, and periodic maintenance of these structures is critical to preventing accidents. During the scheduled inspection, a Buildings inspector will look for potential dangers, such as cracking, rotting, bulging, leaning, and conditions that could lead to structural failure.
The City Buildings Department first launched the No-Penalty Retaining Wall Inspection Program in 2005 and later added the No-Penalty Deck and Porch Inspection Program in 2010. New Yorkers concerned about the safety and stability of any of these structures in their neighborhood are also urged to contact 311 to report any unsafe conditions.
“I am hopeful that the Department of Building’s Accessory Sign Inspection Program will be a massive help for local business owners who are currently suffering from the coronavirus and may not be aware that their signs do not meet DOB regulations,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “By alerting small business owners of any deficiencies with their signs, this free inspection has the potential to save thousands in fines and fees. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be wrong to levy fines when businesses are struggling to stay open, or are forced to be closed. I encourage any business owners who have concerns or questions about their accessory signs to register for this free program before scheduled city penalties will be allowed to be issued next February.”
