For Immediate Release
July 25, 2007

BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES PHASE TWO OF ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL ADS

Illegal Advertising Signs on Building Walls Are the Subject of Enforcement Sweeps

Buildings Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster, FAIA, today announced the launch of phase two of the Department's enforcement campaign against illegal advertising. Expanding upon a crackdown on illegal advertising on sidewalk sheds, this second phase targets illegal advertising signs on building walls, which are generally large in size and mounted by anchors to the exterior wall of a building. As part of phase two, the Buildings Department is adopting a zero tolerance policy toward advertising signs posted on building walls and will issue violations carrying steep penalties to building owners and outdoor advertising companies that post signs despite warning of their violation of the regulations.

“New York is certainly known for its busy landscape, but not every one of the City's 950,000 buildings can be used as advertising space. Some zoning districts allow advertising signs on building walls while others do not. Building owners have a responsibility to adhere to the zoning regulations for their districts. We have reminded them of the regulations and given them fair warning to remove the illegal ads. It is now time for these illegal signs to come down,” said Commissioner Lancaster.

Utilizing the multi-tiered enforcement methods introduced as part of phase one of the enforcement campaign in January, the Buildings Department has and will continue to conduct intensive sweeps to locate, photograph, and record illegal advertising on building walls. Commissioner Lancaster also sent a warning letter to members of the sign industry to remind them of the law and inform them of the Department's efforts to crack down on illegal advertising on building walls.

As of July 20th, nearly 20% of illegal walls signs detected during the sweeps were voluntarily removed by building owners. Over 600 violations with penalties as high as $15,000 each have been issued to remaining violators, which include the owners of buildings at 1181 Broadway and 2015 5th Avenue, where illegal wall signs advertise the Nissan Altima and the new movie “The Bourne Ultimatum.” To ensure compliance, the Buildings Department will proactively re-inspect all locations with illegal advertising on building walls detected during the sweeps. If building owners fail to obey the law, the Department will issue follow-up violations with penalties as high as $25,000. Commissioner Lancaster will also be reaching out to the companies advertised on the wall signs to alert them of their involvement in illegal activity.

Advertising posted on building walls is permitted in some commercial and manufacturing zoning districts, but, with the exception of some grandfathered signs, is never permitted in residential districts. To install a wall sign, building owners must obtain an alteration permit and in some cases, must register with the Buildings Department as an outdoor advertising company.

To report illegal wall signs or signs on sidewalk sheds, New Yorkers are encouraged to call 3-1-1.

Visit the Signs section of our website for more information on Advertising Signs on Sheds, Scaffolds and Construction Fences.

Contact: Kate Lindquist/Caroline Sullivan    (212) 566-3473

The New York City Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the Building Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency and professionalism.