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A vacant lot is a plot of land without any building or a building foundation, such as a concrete floor. Owners of vacant lots are required to keep them fenced, clean, and free of debris.

You can report a vacant lot that is dirty or unfenced.

You can report excessive trash and debris or discarded appliances in a public or private vacant lot.

What You Can’t Report

  • Overgrown grass, weeds, bushes, trees, or vegetation of any type
  • Dirty conditions in a lot with a building, building foundation, or structure

What You Need

Your report should describe:

  • The contents of the lot
  • If the lot is fenced or not

What Happens Next

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will inspect the lot. If the lot needs cleaning, DSNY will research the ownership of the property.

Then the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will give the owner a deadline to clean it. If the owner fails to meet the deadline, DSNY may clean the lot and charge the owner.

You can report a vacant lot that does not have a fence.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will respond to your report within 6 weeks of receipt.

Online

Email the Department of Transportation.

By Mail

Mail your request to:

Department of Transportation Commissioner
55 Water Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10041