City offers penalty-free porch inspections

Starting today New Yorkers lucky enough to have their own outdoor space can request a free inspection of their decks and porches without penalty by calling 311. The Department of Buildings program runs through August 1, a city release says. This marks the third year that the DOB is offering its No-Penalty Deck and Porch Inspection Program.

This campaign allows for residents with decks or porches to get inspections to see if repairs are needed. If work has to be done, the DOB will defer an issue of violations to allow residents some time to correct the problems. If urgently dangerous conditions are discovered, the release says, then the DOB will fix them as soon as possible.

The release says that inspectors examine these areas for signs of cracks, rotting and other red flags that can lead to potential structural failure. The DOB said that weather conditions can cause decks and porches to weaken, which can lead to accidents. — Zachary Kussin