From filing the permit to the dismissal inspection — what happens at each step and what to have ready.
By JBS Concrete Pros · Published October 18, 2026
Most sidewalk repairs in New York City need a permit from NYC DOT before work starts — including repairs made to clear a Notice of Sidewalk Violation. Here's how the process works, step by step.
If you have a violation, the notice and DOT's diagram tell you which flags are cited. Note the violation number and your compliance deadline. If you don't have a violation and are simply replacing a damaged sidewalk, the scope is whatever you and your contractor agree to repair to DOT specification.
According to NYC311, repairs over $200 must be done by a licensed contractor. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance before you compare prices — work that can't be permitted can't be dismissed. JBS Concrete Pros is licensed and insured, and holds both a contractor license and a sidewalk license.
The contractor files the sidewalk permit with DOT. NYC311 lists the fee as $70 for up to 300 linear feet at one property, and that fee covers the administrative cost and the dismissal inspection. Ask for the permit number — you'll need it later.
DOT's sidewalk specifications cover thickness (thicker at driveway aprons), expansion joint spacing, flush hardware, slope, and detectable warning surfaces on ramp repairs. A compliant repair replaces the cited flags full depth; a patch can itself be a defect.
For a violation, submit a "Sidewalk Violation Dismissal Request — Work Done by Owner" through 311 with:
DOT sends an inspector to confirm the work. Keep the whole sidewalk visible — move containers, materials and parked vehicles. DOT removes the violation once the inspector verifies the work.
Questions about your permit or notice? Send it to us or call (718) 849-2500.
About JBS: JBS Concrete Pros is licensed and insured, and holds both a contractor license and a sidewalk license. We handle sidewalk repairs, permits and dismissal paperwork across Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Long Island.
Not legal advice. This post summarizes publicly available NYC rules as we understand them (sources: NYC DOT: Sidewalks, NYC DOT dismissal checklist, NYC311 article KA-01506, NYC Administrative Code §§ 19-152 and 7-210). Your notice and DOT's current guidance control. For the full walkthrough, read our NYC Sidewalk Violation Owner's Guide.
More from the blog: all posts · sidewalk violation removal · driveways, sidewalks & slabs
NYC311 says repairs over $200 must be done by a licensed contractor, and that contractor files for the permit. JBS holds both a contractor license and a sidewalk license.
NYC311 lists the fee as $70 for up to 300 linear feet at one property, covering the administrative cost and the dismissal inspection.
No. The permit is required, but it does not extend the compliance deadline on the notice.
Submit a Sidewalk Violation Dismissal Request through 311 with the permit number, property address, block and lot, and violation number, then keep the sidewalk clear for DOT's inspection.
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