Commissioner The appointed head of a New York City agency — such as DOT's Commissioner — who holds legal authority to order sidewalk repairs and direct enforcement action.
Administrative Code § 19-152 specifically empowers "the commissioner" to order a property owner to repair a defective sidewalk flag, making this role the formal legal source of authority behind every Notice of Sidewalk Violation, even though the actual notice is generated and mailed through DOT's standard inspection process. The term appears throughout city code as a reference to whichever individual currently leads the relevant agency, rather than naming a specific person. Because commissioners change with mayoral administrations, the code deliberately refers to the office rather than an individual.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commissioner
What authority does the DOT Commissioner have over sidewalks?
Administrative Code 19-152 empowers the commissioner to order a property owner to repair a defective sidewalk flag, which is the legal basis for every Notice of Sidewalk Violation.
Does the Commissioner personally issue violations?
No. Notices are generated and mailed through DOT's standard inspection process under the commissioner's statutory authority.
Why does the Code say the commissioner rather than a name?
Because commissioners change with administrations, the Code refers to the office rather than an individual so the authority carries forward.