Administrative Code § 7-201 A New York City law governing lawsuits against the City, best known for requiring prior written notice of a street or sidewalk defect before the City can be sued over it.
Section 7-201 sets the ground rules for civil actions against the City of New York, and its subdivision (c) is often called the Pothole Law. In sidewalk cases it matters mainly where the City is still the responsible party, such as sidewalks next to exempt owner-occupied small homes or City-owned property. In those situations, an injured person generally must show the City had written notice of the specific defect and failed to fix it within the statutory period. For most commercial and multi-family owners, § 7-210 puts liability on the owner instead, so this section rarely shields them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Administrative Code § 7-201
What does Administrative Code 7-201 govern?
It sets the ground rules for civil lawsuits against the City of New York. Subdivision (c), known as the Pothole Law, requires prior written notice of a street or sidewalk defect before the City can be sued over it.
When does 7-201 still matter for sidewalks?
Mainly where the City is still the responsible party, such as sidewalks abutting exempt owner-occupied one- to three-family homes or City-owned property.
Does 7-201 protect private property owners?
No. The prior written notice defense belongs to the City. Under 7-210, private commercial and multi-family owners are liable without any notice requirement.