Preliminary Inspection Report (PIR) The diagram DOT mails along with a Notice of Sidewalk Violation, showing which numbered sidewalk flags are defective and must be repaired.
The PIR is your repair blueprint: it sketches your property's frontage and marks each flag (concrete square) that failed inspection, with a defect type noted for each. Contractors use it to calculate square footage and scope the job before quoting a price, since NYC repairs are typically priced per flag or per square foot. Owners in all five boroughs should keep the PIR on hand for permitting and for the eventual dismissal inspection, since DOT re-checks the same flags listed on it. Losing the original doesn't cancel the violation — a copy can be requested via 311 or the DOT sidewalk lookup tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preliminary Inspection Report (PIR)
What is a Preliminary Inspection Report?
The diagram DOT mails with a Notice of Sidewalk Violation showing which numbered sidewalk flags are defective and what defect type each one has.
Why does the PIR matter for pricing?
Contractors use it to calculate square footage and scope the job. NYC sidewalk work is typically priced per flag or per square foot, so the PIR drives the estimate.
Do I repair only the flags on the PIR?
Those are the flags DOT requires. Repairing fewer can fail the dismissal inspection, and repairing far more adds cost that the violation does not require.
What if I lose the PIR?
The violation stays in effect. A copy can be requested through 311 or looked up using DOT's online sidewalk violation search.
Is the PIR needed later in the process?
Yes. Keep it for permitting and for the dismissal inspection, since DOT re-checks the same flags listed on it.