Who Is Responsible for Curb Repair in NYC?

Curbs are an essential part of New York City’s streets. They protect pedestrians, control rainwater drainage, and help organize traffic. Although they’re located beside sidewalks, curbs are considered part of the roadway and are owned by the City.

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for curb installation and repairs. However, city ownership doesn’t guarantee immediate repairs. There’s a process involved, and it’s important for property owners to understand how it works.

When Does the City Fix Curbs?

The DOT regularly inspects streets and curbs as part of their citywide maintenance plan. They might also check a curb if someone reports a problem through 311.

The DOT may prioritize curb repairs if:

• A broken curb is creating a safety hazard, like making it hard for people to walk or use a wheelchair.
• The area is part of a bigger city project, like road resurfacing or a water main upgrade.

While there’s no set timeline for when a curb will be fixed, repairs usually depend on:

• How bad the damage is.
• How much it affects public safety.
• If the curb is in a high-traffic or flood-prone area.

Do Property Owners Have to Pay for Curb Repairs?

No. In most cases, curb repairs are the city’s responsibility and won’t cost the property owner anything. The one thing the city does ask homeowners to do is report curb problems when they see them. If there’s a missing, cracked, or broken curb near your property, you can help by letting the DOT know.

That said, if you’re already doing sidewalk repairs (which are typically the property owner's responsibility), the DOT recommends fixing any curb issues at the same time. This helps prevent future problems and saves time in the long run.

How to Report a Damaged or Missing Curb

If you notice a damaged curb near your home or business, reporting it is easy:

• Call 311.
• Or go online to the NYC 311 website and fill out a curb repair request.

Make sure you give the exact address of the issue. Once the DOT gets your report, they’ll send out an inspector to check the site. If the curb qualifies for city repair, they’ll schedule the work, usually at no cost to you.

Final Thoughts

Curbs might seem small, but they play a big role in keeping NYC safe and functional. They protect pedestrians, manage water flow, and keep traffic organized. Luckily, the city takes care of most curb repairs, so long as residents report problems when they see them.

So if the curb near your home is cracked or missing, don’t wait. A quick call to 311 could make your street safer, not just for you, but for everyone walking or driving by.