For Immediate Release: May 12, 2025
CONTACT: dobcommunications@buildings.nyc.gov, (212) 393-2126

NYC DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF PROVIDING NO-COST, NO-PENALTY SUMMER INSPECTION PROGRAM

Homeowners and Small Business Owners Are Encouraged to Call 311 to Learn How to Request a Free Inspection For Their Property

New York, NY – Today, NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Jimmy Oddo announced the return of the annual No-Penalty Inspection Program, which for the past twenty years has offered free safety inspections for homeowners, small business owners, and small landlords in New York City. These no-cost visual inspections provided by the department help owners who are concerned about the condition of their properties, potentially looking to make repairs, and need guidance on how to begin that work.

“Responsible owners in New York City want to take steps to keep their properties in good condition, but many don’t know where to begin,” said Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo. “This annual program utilizes the expertise of our highly trained inspectors to support New Yorkers who are starting the planning process for needed repair projects and implementing preventative maintenance routines. This not only improves building safety in our neighborhoods, but also helps owners save money by helping them address issues early before conditions worsen into a much more expensive problem.”

“I am excited to join Commissioner Oddo in celebrating the return of DOB’s No-Penalty Inspection Program,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross. “New York City’s small business owners want to ensure that their properties are compliant with city codes, and this program perfectly complements SBS's free compliance consultations, and other services we offer to help them navigate government effectively.  Thank you again, Commissioner Oddo, for your partnership as we help our city’s small businesses grow, operate, and expand – safely!”

This inspection program will run from Monday, May 19, 2025, through Monday, June 30, 2025, when free scheduled inspections will be conducted by agency staff. New Yorkers who wish to participate in this citywide initiative can call 311 to request an inspection of their property. During this scheduled inspection, a DOB inspector will provide expert advice on parts of the building in need of repair as well as guidance on how to comply with applicable legal building requirements.

Inspections conducted through this program will not result in enforcement actions from the Department. If any violating conditions or safety issues are found, our inspectors will not immediately issue violations that carry associated penalties. Instead, they will discuss the findings with the owner, provide guidance on how to correct the conditions, allow them the opportunity to start making corrective repairs to ensure that their properties are safe and, avoid penalties in the process. For conditions observed that pose an immediate life safety threat, our inspectors may take appropriate action in the interest of public safety.

The annual No-Penalty Inspection Program was first launched twenty years ago in 2005. and since that time the department has performed thousands of inspections under the program, helping homeowners save money by identifying potential safety issues and providing guidance on how to bring properties up to Code. This year, New Yorkers can request specific inspections of any of the following structures or building equipment:

• Decks and Patios
• Retaining Walls
• Facades for Buildings Under Six Stories in Height
• Business Signs
• Unregistered Boilers
• Unregistered Private Elevator Devices

By requesting an inspection through 311, members of the public will be connected directly to the appropriate unit at DOB to schedule a field visit with a city inspector. During this scheduled inspection, DOB staff will be available to discuss any additional building concerns that property owners may have, and direct owners on how to obtain additional available assistance from the city.

Department inspectors are regularly called to respond to serious incidents involving facades, boilers, private elevators, business signs, retaining walls and decks across the city. Weather, time, and improper installation can cause building facades and outdoor structures to weaken and deteriorate over time. Appurtenances like private elevators and boilers that are neglected can similarly fall into disrepair over time. It is important that property owners ensure that every part of their building is properly maintained and in full compliance with DOB’s Construction Codes, Rules and other applicable regulations, to prevent a potential life-threatening incident.