If you own a building or manage an apartment complex in New York City, ensuring the safety and compliance of your sidewalk cellar doors is non-negotiable. It’s your responsibility as a property owner to maintain your sidewalks, including any sidewalk cellar doors, in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Damaged or defective sidewalk cellar doors must be repaired or replaced promptly to avoid penalties. With strict DOT regulations, failing or unsafe cellar doors can lead to violations, hefty fines, and even liability for pedestrian injuries.
The good news is that Steelway has built a trusted name in cellar door and basement egress solutions since 1963, and we’ve expanded our services to NYC. In partnership with U.S. Egress Basement Windows, we offer the highest quality cellar door installations and violation correction services to help your NYC property stay compliant and safe. Additionally, this new partnership reinforces our commitment to providing reliable, top-tier services in New York and the surrounding areas.
With so many property regulations to adhere to, you may be unaware of or unclear about NYC’s sidewalk cellar door violations or how to prevent your building from receiving one. Here’s what you need to know:
The NYC DOT routinely inspects sidewalk cellar doors for safety and compliance. Common issues that often lead to violations include:
If a sidewalk cellar door is flagged, the DOT may issue a Notice of Violation, requiring immediate corrective action.
The property owner is legally responsible for regular maintenance and repair of any sidewalk cellar doors under New York City Administrative Code Section 7-210. It is a property owner’s duty to keep the sidewalk in front of your property in a reasonably safe condition. Therefore, the building owner is liable for damages if someone is injured as a result of an unsafe sidewalk cellar door.
To avoid violations and liability, building owners must:
Pedestrians, tenants, or inspectors can report sidewalk cellar door issues to 311 or through the NYC311 website. Once reported, the DOT will inspect the sidewalk complaint. If warranted, they will issue a Notice of Violation to the property owner. Upon receipt of a Notice of Violation, the property owner may admit to the violation and pay the penalty, contest the violation, or present a defense by mail.
With over 60 years of experience, the team at Steelway specializes in manufacturing and installing custom and standard steel cellar doors. Through our expansion into NYC, supported by our licensed installation partner, U.S. Egress Basement Windows, we ensure property owners have access to expert solutions for sidewalk compliance and safety.
If you’ve received a Notice of Violation for a failing cellar door, Steelway can help resolve the issue quickly and efficiently, helping you avoid fines and prevent long-term, expensive issues. Once a violation is issued, repairs are expected to begin within 75 days. When you work with Steelway and our partner, U.S. Egress Basement Windows, we handle it all, including:
Additionally, the U.S. Egress Basement Window team includes a former code official, allowing us to provide unmatched insight into compliance requirements and efficient approval processes.
Steelway, in partnership with U.S. Egress Basement Windows, holds licenses in Suffolk County, the City of Long Beach, the City of New York, and Nassau County. We are fully insured, giving property owners peace of mind knowing your project is handled by professionals.
Have more questions? Learn more about our violation correction services.
When replacement cellar doors are required, Steelway offers a variety of products and installation options to meet NYC’s strict requirements. Our drafting and engineering services ensure all projects meet NYC’s compliance standards, and each cellar door is custom-fabricated for a perfect fit, ensuring long-term performance.
We provide a wide range of cellar doors and covers designed for durability, security, and compliance with NYC regulations.
1. Standard Steel Cellar Doors
2. Custom Cellar Doors
3. Basement Egress Doors
4. Commercial Sidewalk Doors
5. Traffic Rated Sidewalk Doors
Steelway has built a reputation for high-quality workmanship, industry expertise, and unmatched customer service. Choosing Steelway means choosing expertise, reliability, and compliance. As an NYC property owner or manager, you need a partner who understands the complexities of city regulations and can deliver fast, efficient, and durable solutions.
Our custom-fabricated cellar doors meet DOT compliance standards and provide enhanced security, weather resistance, and longevity. Plus, our partnership with U.S. Egress Basement Windows ensures that every installation is backed by a 10-year warranty, giving you total peace of mind.
Whether addressing a violation, upgrading an aging system, or installing a brand-new cellar door, Steelway consistently provides a seamless, stress-free process from start to finish.
NYC property owners trust Steelway because we’re known for our:
Navigating NYC’s strict sidewalk cellar door regulations doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you need violation corrections in a timely manner, new installations to replace damaged or defective sidewalk doors or expert compliance guidance, Steelway can help. Don’t wait for a violation notice. Contact us today for a free estimate to ensure your sidewalk cellar doors are safe, secure, and up to code.