Section 397-A of the New York State General Business
Law, a.k.a the "Lawn Litter" Law, which allows property owners to post a sign in
a visible area in front of their homes to let advertisers know not to place
unsolicited advertising material on their property.
The property owner's sign must be at least five inches
tall and seven inches wide, and state in legible letters at least one inch in
size, "Do Not Place Unsolicited Advertising Materials On This Property" (Sample
Sign).
In multiple dwellings, signs can be put up indicating
how many units want to receive unsolicited ads, and the location they must be
placed. Signs are to be placed in visible areas such as on lawns or on
front doors.
If property owners receive unwanted advertisements, they
can fill out a citizen complaint form against the unsolicited advertisements
placed on their property, enclose those advertisements with their complaint
form, and mail the package to:
Director of Enforcement
NYC Department of
Sanitation
c/o Unsolicited Advertisement Enforcement
1824 Shore
Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11214
Advertisers found to be in violation of the "Lawn
Litter" Law will be subject to a $250 fine.
Property owners can obtain complaint forms by scrolling
down to the Forms area below.
Individuals who send in the complaint form may be called
before the Environmental Control Board to testify about the ads.
INSTRUCTIONS
Citizen
Complaint Process for Lawn Litter Violations Overview PDF (114KB)
FORMS
One, Two or
Three Property Owner Complaint Form for Unauthorized Distribution of Unsolicited
Advertisement PDF (115KB)
Multiple
Dwelling Property Owner Complaint Form for Unauthorized Distribution of
Unsolicited Advertisement PDF (114KB)