On May 12, 2025, the Department of Buildings celebrated the return of the annual No-Penalty Inspection Program. Now in its 20th year, the summer program offers free safety inspections for homeowners, small business owners, and small landlords citywide. The visual inspections help owners address concerns about safety and conditions on their properties and guidance on how to begin fixing issues.
Department Of Buildings
City Releases Report on Billingsley Terrace Collapse
On November 25, 2024, New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo announced the release of the official 48-page investigation report concerning the Billingsley Terrace structural collapse. Last December, the corner of the building at 1915 Billingsley Terrace, in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx collapsed.
City Receives Federal Grant to Help Support Carbon Emission Reductions in Large Buildings
On September 9, 2024, the New York City Department of Buildings announced the City received a $19.9 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding will support the implementation of various Local Law 97 projects.
Longest Standing Sidewalk Shed Around City-Owned Building Finally Taken Down
On August 28, 2024, the New York City Department of Buildings announced the oldest permitted sidewalk shed at a City-owned building is being disassembled. The 329-linear-foot shed was in front of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) at 520 First Avenue in Kips Bay for over 15 years. The shed is being removed after unsafe facade conditions were finally resolved.
City Sues Building Owners for Failure to Fix Facades and Take Down Sidewalk Sheds in Clinton
On July 22, 2024, the New York City Department of Buildings and the New York City Law Department commenced a lawsuit against Windermere Properties LLC, Windermere Holdings LLC, and Mark Tress. The city alleges these property owners of the buildings in the Clinton area of Manhattan (400, 402, 404, 406 West 57th Street and 869 9th Avenue) have neglected their buildings since they were purchased in 2009 by treating the sidewalk sheds as additions to … <Read More>
DOB No-Penalty Inspection Program Returns for 2024
On June 10, 2024, the Department of Buildings announced the return of the annual No-Penalty Inspection Program, offering free inspections for homeowners, small landlords and business owners citywide.