The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has announced new civil penalties for failure to file an “acceptable” retaining wall report by the deadline. The current inspection period (Cycle 3) began January 1, 2024 and continues through December 31, 2028. Each borough has a unique deadline that corresponds to the end of the calendar year:
- Bronx: December 31, 2024
- Manhattan: December 31, 2025
- Staten Island: December 31, 2026
- Queens: December 31, 2027
- Brooklyn: December 31, 2028
If retaining wall reports are not filed by the applicable deadline, property owners will incur civil fines:
- $1,000 per year until the report is filed
- $250 per month beginning February 1 following the filing year, until the report is filed
For example, a property owner in the Bronx who does not file their retaining wall report until November 10, 2025 would incur civil penalties of $3,500 ($1,000 plus $250 per month for 10 months).
Property owners who receive civil fines can challenge them or request a full or partial waiver from the DOB; the final determination is up to the DOB.
