Severity/priority rating A numerical grading system used by NYC Parks inspectors to rank the danger level of sidewalk damage caused by tree roots to prioritize repairs.
Due to a high volume of repair requests, the NYC Parks Department uses this rating system to manage their backlog. Walkways with a "Severity 1" rating—typically representing a vertical trip hazard of over 2 inches—are prioritized for immediate action under the Trees and Sidewalks Program. Knowing your sidewalk's priority rating helps you decide whether to wait for city assistance or hire a private contractor to quickly clear an active DOT sidewalk violation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Severity/priority rating
What is a severity or priority rating?
A grading system NYC Parks inspectors use to rank the danger level of tree-root sidewalk damage and prioritize repairs.
What is a Severity 1 condition?
The highest priority tier, typically representing a large vertical trip hazard, which is addressed first under the Trees and Sidewalks Program.
Why does the rating exist?
Because repair requests far exceed capacity, so the program works through a backlog in priority order.
Should an owner wait for a City repair?
That depends on the rating and any active DOT violation. A 75-day repair deadline will not pause while a property waits in the program queue.