Image credit: Department of Buildings.
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.
This year’s program will run from Monday, May 19th through Monday, June 30th. Interested property owners may call 311 to schedule an inspection. During the free inspection, a Buildings inspection will look around and identify parts of the building or property that require repairs and provide guidance on how property owners can stay compliant with applicable building codes. New Yorkers can request inspections on the following structures or equipment: decks and patios; retaining walls; facades for buildings under six stories tall; business signs; unregistered boilers; and unregistered private elevator devices.
Any issues found during these free inspections will not lead to an immediate enforcement action from the Department of Buildings; property owners will be informed of findings, guidance on how to fix the issues, and time and opportunity to correct the issues. In circumstances where the repair poses an immediate threat to life and safety, the inspectors will take appropriate action.
Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Otto stated, “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. 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.”
Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross stated, “I am excited to join Commissioner Oddo in celebrating the return of DOB’s No-Penalty Inspection Program. 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!”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the Editor of CityLand and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)