What is the actual law (and where can it be found) in New York City,
regarding repair and maintenance of a backyard brick wall that is
adjacent, but not actually on my property?
i.e. It is outside the survey map of my property, which says that it
actually "encroaches" by 1". The department of buildings is fining me
(New York Administrative Code: 27-127) for having a wall in disrepair,
but it is not my wall. Is there any way it is my responsibility? This
wall is also at the end of a dead end street and affects three other
properties which I believe have the same notation on their survey maps
- that it encroaches by 1" on their properties. The New York Department
of Transportation has previously admitted ownership, but now has
handed it off to the buildings department. What is the law?

You need to directly involve your city councilman. If he is
disinterested, write up what a sob he is, xerox 500 copies and staple
them to phone poles all over the district.

You still might have to hire a lawyer -- slap a court order against
the deputy mayor in charge of the buildings dept.

In all events, carefully document everything. You might interest
someone in the media.

I have been in contact with my local council member to no avail. Are
you going to give me an answer or is that it?

Someone else may do a pay answer, but I'm just a comment poster.

If you are in Staten Island, the Borough President's office may be of
some assistance; for the other Boroughs, the Beeps pretty much ignore
citizen complaints.

If you have the time, picketing your councilman's place of business
might produce some action. You might also do a search on your
councilman's name (in double quotes), and see what comes up.

If you have a mortgage, you might be able to get some assistance from
your mortgage holder, but don't get up your hopes.

You might post which borough you live in, and who your councilman is.