New York City property owners and construction site managers are responsible for securing their properties from hazardous conditions, including melting or falling ice and snow.

The Department of Buildings (DOB) will take enforcement action if a building or site is not safely secured.

Residential and Commercial Buildings

Property owners should take all precautionary measures including, but not limited to:

• Securing and clearing roofs, awnings, umbrellas and overhangs of melting snow and ice.
• Removing ice and snow from tree limbs and other structures.
• Ensuring gutters are clear of debris to allow drainage.

Construction Sites

Builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures to secure construction sites, including but not limited to:

• Clearing icicles and snow masses from sidewalk sheds and supported and suspended scaffolds.
• Clearing melting snow and ice from roofs, overhangs, and gutters.
• Clearing debris from gutters and spouts to allow proper drainage.
• Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways and public areas surrounding a construction site.
• Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

You can report snow or ice on a building or construction site.

Include in your report: 

• What is falling
• Which side of the building it's falling from
• What part of the structure it's falling from

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.