A few years, several worker deaths and much damage to neighboring buildings later, the DOB has finally passed a new regulation aimed at helping the agency stay on top of the work it’s supposed to be monitoring:

To ensure that work is being performed according to safety standards and to help promote safety on construction sites, permit holders now must notify the Department of Buildings at least 24 (but no more than 48 hours) prior to the start of earthwork/excavation.

Looking to cover its ass (and kick that of some other complicit parties), the DOB concludes its announcement of the regulation with the following: “While the DOB will be monitoring excavation work, this does not relieve site engineers and contractors from their professional responsibilities.” You listening, MMC?
Earthwork Notification Fact Sheet (pdf) [DOB]