NYC Admin Code §28-217 requires owners of vacant lots to maintain them free of debris, standing water, and hazardous conditions. DSNY and DOB enforce lot maintenance. The city's Clean Lots program converts neglected vacant lots into green spaces. HPD's Alternative Enforcement Program targets owners of chronic problem properties.
Vacant lot maintenance in NYC is enforced through multiple code provisions. Admin Code §28-217 requires vacant lot owners to maintain lots free of refuse, garbage, and other offensive material, and to keep the lot drained and graded. Lots must be enclosed with a fence at least 6 feet high (Admin Code §28-218). DSNY can issue violations for dirty conditions on vacant lots and arrange for cleanups with costs billed to the owner as tax liens. DOB enforces fence and structural safety requirements. NYC's Clean Lots program (administered by HPD) partners with community organizations to transform neglected vacant lots into temporary green spaces. The GreenThumb program has established over 500 community gardens, many on formerly vacant lots. The NYC Mayor's Office of Environmental Remediation oversees the NYC Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) for brownfield vacant lots. Property tax requirements continue on vacant lots, and failure to pay can trigger tax lien sales under the city's lien sale program.
Failure to maintain a vacant lot: DSNY violation of $100–$300. Missing or inadequate fence: DOB violation of $1,000–$5,000. City cleanup costs become tax liens. Chronic violations can accelerate tax lien foreclosure proceedings.
New York, NY
New York City enforces strict noise rules under Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 2 (the NYC Noise Code, rewritten by Local Law 113 of 2005). Sound excee...
New York, NY
NYC bans commercial vehicles on residential streets 9 PM-5 AM and caps any commercial-vehicle parking at 3 hours per block (NYC Admin Code §19-170). 'Commerc...
New York, NY
In NYC residence districts, Zoning Resolution §23-44 limits fences in front yards to 4 feet above adjoining grade and permits walls up to 8 feet (not roofed ...
New York, NY
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effect...
New York, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City, including sparkling devices that are legal in much of New York State. NYC Fire Code Section FC 5601.3.2 ...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commiss...
See how New York's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.