This subdivision, widely known as the Pothole Law, is the City's strongest defense in the sidewalk cases it still faces. The written notice must describe the defective condition and reach the DOT commissioner or an authorized recipient, and the City then has fifteen days to act after receiving it. Verbal complaints and general awareness usually do not count. After § 7-210 shifted most sidewalk liability to private owners in 2003, this rule chiefly affects claims involving owner-occupied one- to three-family homes and City property, where injured pedestrians must still clear this notice hurdle.
← Back to Full Glossary