NYC DOB ViolationsNYC retaining wall inspection deadlines
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Short answer
NYC retaining walls that face a public right-of-way and reach ten feet or higher must be inspected every five years. In Cycle 3, reports are due December 31 of a year set by borough: Staten Island in 2026, Queens in 2027 and Brooklyn in 2028. The Bronx and Manhattan windows closed in 2024 and 2025.
Cycle 3 filing windows
| Borough | Filing window |
|---|---|
| Bronx | January 1 to December 31, 2024 |
| Manhattan | January 1 to December 31, 2025 |
| Staten Island | January 1 to December 31, 2026 |
| Queens | January 1 to December 31, 2027 |
| Brooklyn | January 1 to December 31, 2028 |
Cycle 3 runs from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2028, and each borough has a one-year window.
Who needs the inspection
The rule covers walls that face a public right-of-way with any portion extending ten feet or higher. A Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI), a licensed structural engineer who has qualified with DOB, performs the inspection. The QRWI must submit the condition assessment report within 60 days of completing the inspection.
Penalties
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to file | $5,000 per year after the end of the filing window |
| Late filing | $1,000 per month from the day after the filing deadline |
| Failure to correct an unsafe condition | $1,000 per month, pro-rated daily, until corrected |
Frequently asked questions
When is my retaining wall report due?
By December 31 of your borough's year: Staten Island in 2026, Queens in 2027 and Brooklyn in 2028. The next Bronx and Manhattan windows follow five years after their 2024 and 2025 windows.
Does every retaining wall need an inspection?
No. It applies to walls that face a public right-of-way and have a portion extending ten feet or higher.
Who can inspect a retaining wall?
A Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector. DOB publishes the list of active QRWIs.