Notice of Defacement DOT's order to remove illegal paint, markings, or advertisements from a sidewalk, curb, or roadway, distinct from a structural sidewalk violation.
Defacement covers things like curbs painted to discourage parking or unauthorized markings applied to city-owned pavement, and it's been enforceable under city rules since January 1994. The owner or responsible party gets 30 days to correct the condition, typically by power washing or repainting with an approved color (battleship grey for sidewalks and curbs, black for roadways). If the condition still exists after DOT's automatic re-inspection, a summons can follow with a civil penalty. This is a separate track from a structural Notice of Sidewalk Violation, so resolving one doesn't clear the other. More: nyc.gov defacement guide (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions About Notice of Defacement
What is a Notice of Defacement?
A DOT order to remove illegal paint, markings or advertisements from a sidewalk, curb or roadway. It is separate from a structural sidewalk violation.
What counts as defacement?
Things like curbs painted to discourage parking, stenciled advertisements, or other unauthorized markings applied to City-owned pavement.
How long is there to correct it?
Generally 30 days, typically by power washing or repainting with an approved color.
What are the approved colors?
Battleship grey for sidewalks and curbs, and black for roadways.
What happens if it is not corrected?
DOT re-inspects, and a summons with a civil penalty can follow if the condition still exists.
Does fixing a defacement notice clear a sidewalk violation?
No. They are separate enforcement tracks and each must be resolved on its own.