20E — Letter-grade card not conspicuously posted
The most recent letter-grade card — or a Grade Pending card while you await a re-inspection or hearing — must be posted conspicuously near the customer entrance. It's a non-scored item on the inspection score, but it's enforced separately through OATH with fines, and it's the first thing an inspector and your customers see. Operators trip on it by leaving an old card up after a new inspection, or posting it too high or off to the side. Always post Grade Pending while you wait — it's almost always worth it.
What the inspector looks for
Stand at your front door: the current letter-grade card (or "Grade Pending") must be posted within 5 feet of the entrance, about 4-6 feet off the ground, facing passersby. Missing, hidden, or an old superseded card is the violation. (Non-scored on the inspection, but fined via OATH.)
How it's scored
This is an administrative item — it is not scored toward your A/B/C letter grade, but it can still be cited on an inspection.
How to fix it
Post the current grade card within 5 ft of the entrance, 4-6 ft above the ground, visible to passersby.
How to prevent it
Keep the current grade (or Grade Pending) card posted in the required location at all times; shred superseded cards.
- ✓Mount the card within 5 ft of the entrance, 4-6 ft high, facing the street so it's readable from outside.
- ✓Swap in the new card the moment it's issued and shred the superseded one.
- ✓Post "Grade Pending" right away after a B or C while you await re-inspection or your hearing.
- ✓Note (2025 rules): your website and delivery-app listings must also link to the NYC grade lookup.
Reference: 24 RCNY §23-07(f)
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