Contractors must give the Department 24- to 48-hour notice before beginning excavation, rock blasting or rock chipping.

Notification

To notify, call (212) 393-2550.

Failure to Notify

The Department may issue a Stop Work Order and a violation for Failure to Notify to the contractor and/or property owner for excavations performed without notice.

Permits

Permits are required for most work, including underpinning. The work must meet the approved plans.

Cancellations

Contractors must notify the Department of a cancellation within 24 hours of the scheduled earthwork and before the work begins.

Audits

The Department randomly audits sites for: excavation depth; pumping; pile driving; sheeting, shoring and bracing; angle of repose; form bracing; underpinning; ground water; movement monitoring; pre-construction surveys; and Special Inspections.

FDNY

The Fire Department of New York regulates all blasting operations and requires permits.  Visit nyc.gov/fire.

Utilities

Call 811 before you begin digging to notify the utility company.