# NYC retaining wall inspection deadlines

> 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.

Source page: https://coderalert0.github.io/nyc-dob-violations-site/retaining-wall-inspection-local-law-37.html
Checked against city sources on November 4, 2026. Independent app. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NYC Department of Buildings or the City of New York.

## 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.

## Sources

- [NYC DOB: Retaining Wall](https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/safety/retaining-wall.page)
- [1 RCNY 103-09: Periodic inspection of retaining walls](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_103-09.pdf)