Decisions by DCA

Center for New York City Law's CityAdmin Online Library
All administrative decisions by DCA dating to January 1, 2003 are available on the CityAdmin Web site.
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DCA’s Legal Interpretations
DCA's Legal Division issues legal interpretations to help businesses comply with New York City laws and rules enforced by the Department. Each interpretation addresses specific facts and circumstances.
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DCA’s Settlement Agreements
DCA reaches resolutions with parties that are charged with violating the laws and rules the Department enforces.
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Highlights of Key Laws

Whether you are a consumer or a business, it is important to know the law. Most businesses know that their long-term success and security depend on their honest dealings with customers. There are laws in place to protect both consumers and honest businesses. The following laws are enforced by DCA.

Licensing Law
DCA licenses 55 industries and enforces the laws that govern these industries. Through regular inspections, DCA keeps tabs on businesses and can intervene directly when consumers have complaints. Businesses with a DCA license are subject to sanctions and penalties if they violate any of the laws and rules DCA enforces.

For convenience, sections of the New York City
                                         Licensing Law (and Rules, if enacted) are available as a
                                         downloadable handout. Select your industry below.

Consumer Protection Law
The City’s Consumer Protection Law prohibits unfair trade practices when dealing in consumer goods or services – such as false advertising, phony sales, and special offers with hidden conditions. The law also lays out proper behavior in the collection of consumer debts.

Weights and Measures Law
The City’s Weights and Measures law requires that any item must be sold by its true weight or measure. Scales must pass tests for accuracy, and the consumer should see the same numbers that the vendor sees. Consumers should not be charged for the extra weight of packaging material ('tare'). Violations of this law may lead to fines. 

Truth-In-Pricing Law
Businesses are free to charge what they like, and consumers are free to look elsewhere for a better price. When businesses give false information about an item, consumers get burned. That’s why the truth-in-pricing law requires that price displays provide adequate information to the consumer. Violators will be fined.

Laws of the City of New York
A public access portal to the Charter, Administrative Code, and Rules of the City of New York.
 Access the Laws of the City of New York

DCA Publications
DCA offers free guides to help consumers and businesses understand City laws governing the marketplace. Guides help consumers know their rights when conducting transactions, and help businesses know their responsibilities.
 Visit the DCA Publications Web Page 
 

Recent Law and Rule Changes
	2012 Law and Rule Changes New Rule Establishing $300 Biennial Fee for Participation in the Directed Accident Response Program (DARP) Took Effect May 10  New Rule Establishing $50 Inspection Fee for All Non-exempt Tow Trucks Took Effect April 27 New Rule Regarding Towing and Storage Rates for Motor Vehicles Took Effect April 9 2011 Law and Rule Changes Law Strengthening Ban on Expired Over-the-Counter Medication Sales Took Effect November 28    Law Regarding New Tow Penalties and Rates Took Effect November 8   New Rule Regarding the Licensing of Process Servers Took Effect September 12       *Download Software Company List   New Rule Regarding the Licensing of Process Servers Took Effect August 31 Law Requiring Pedicabs to be Subject to Parking Rules Took Effect May 16 Law to Seize Pedicabs and Suspend and/or Revoke Pedicab Registration Plates and Drivers’ Licenses for Certain Violations Took Effect May 16 Law on the Permitted Number of Pedicab Registration Plates Took Effect May 16 Rule Regarding Horse Drawn Cabs and Drivers Took Effect April 4  Rule Regarding the Licensing of Process Servers Took Effect March 21      *Per Rule, download Process Servers: Record Keeping Template   2010 Law and Rule Changes Rule Requiring Retailers to Post Signs Stating It’s Illegal to Sell or Give Laser Pointers to Minors Took Effect November 19  Law Enhancing the Regulation of Process Servers Took Effect October 11  Rule Requiring Posting of Signs about Tenant Screening Reports Took Effect September 18      *Per Rule, download sign template (Notice about Tenant Screening Reports)  Law Regarding the Disclosure of Tenant Screening Reports Took Effect June 30 Law Requiring Open-air Sightseeing Buses Be Equipped with Headphone-limited Sound Reproduction Systems Took Effect June 18 Rule Requiring Language Assistance Signs at Pharmacies Took Effect May 27 Rule Regarding the Sale of Etching Acids Took Effect May 25: Includes photo ID, records, and signage requirements  Law Regarding the Regulation of Tobacco Products Took Effect February 25 and Rule Restricting the Sale of Certain Flavored Tobacco Products  Law Regarding Security Grilles Used to Secure Commercial Premises Took Effect January 1, 2010     *Download Roll-down Security Gates: Visibility Standards (provided by the Department of Buildings)
Additional Laws Enforced by DCA
	Traverse Report Forms DCA licenses process servers and enforces New York City laws and rules governing process servers. As part of its enforcement, DCA examines traverse hearings (hearings contesting service). Forms are available for judges, legal advocates, and process servers/agencies to complete and submit to DCA. Process servers/agencies must notify DCA about hearings and results of hearings following established deadlines. The form lists these deadlines. Download Judicial Traverse Report Form Download Traverse Report Form for Legal Advocates Download Traverse Report Form for Process Servers/Agencies
	Lead-Safe Paint Removal Methods Lead paint is harmful. City law makes sure storeowners and customers know safe and legal paint removal methods. Storeowners must post a notice where visible to customers.  Learn more (in PDF)  Get in-store signage (in PDF)  Download the brochure in    English Español
	Products Containing Endangered Species City law prohibits selling or buying products that use ingredients from endangered species.  Download information in    English Español   中文