How to report an outdoor dining violation in NYC

The current Dining Out program is administered by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Here are the key rules:

• April 1 through November 30 only. Outdoor sheds may operate during this window. They cannot remain on the street outside this season.
• Modular and removable. Sheds must be temporary structures—no permanent installation, no cinder blocks or concrete foundations.
• Sidewalk access required. Sheds cannot block pedestrian pathways or ADA-accessible routes. A minimum clear width must remain on the sidewalk.
• Licensed restaurants only. Only food establishments with current health and operating licenses can operate a dining shed.
• Maintenance and cleanliness. The shed, furniture, and surrounding area must be maintained and free of litter.

File a complaint if you observe any of these violations:

• Rat or pest activity. Rats, raccoons, droppings, nests, or other signs of vermin in or around the shed. Dining sheds are notorious rat attractors because of discarded food and structural gaps.
• Blocked sidewalk access. The shed or its setup takes up too much sidewalk, forcing pedestrians into the street or making passage impossible for wheelchairs or strollers.
• Trash and debris. Litter accumulating under or around the shed, or debris left on tables overnight.
• Abandonment. A shed that has not been used for weeks or months—no tables, no setup, clearly neglected. This indicates the operator has abandoned it.
• Structural damage or safety hazard. Rotting wood, loose panels, broken seats, or other conditions that pose a public safety risk.
• Out-of-season operation. A shed in place during December–March. All sheds must come down by November 30.
• Unlicensed operator. If you believe the restaurant lacks a license, report it to DOH.

The agency responsible depends on the violation type:

1. For rats or pests: File a complaint with the Department of Health (DOH) via 311. Search for "Rat Complaint" or "Pest Complaint" and mention the outdoor dining shed. DOH responds to pest complaints within 2–3 days.
2. For sidewalk obstruction or abandonment: File with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) via 311. Search for "Dining Shed" or "Outdoor Dining Violation."
3. For structural damage or safety hazard: File with DOB (Department of Buildings) via 311. Search for "Sidewalk Hazard" or "Unsafe Condition."

When filing, provide:

• The address of the shed and restaurant (or the restaurant name if you know it)
• Date and time of observation
• Specific violation (pest, blocked access, abandoned, out of season)
• Photos if possible

DCWP and DOH inspect sheds based on complaint volume. The city may:

• Issue a violation to the operator. The restaurant is fined and ordered to correct the problem (remove trash, seal gaps, etc.).
• Require immediate removal. For safety hazards or severe pest infestations, the city may order the shed dismantled immediately.
• Revoke the dining permit. Repeated violations can result in loss of the outdoor dining license.

Response time typically ranges from 3–14 days. Pest complaints are prioritized; structural issues are typically lower priority.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NYC rapidly deployed temporary outdoor dining to support restaurants. These sheds, called "streeteries," became permanent in many neighborhoods. As of 2025, most of the old pandemic-era sheds have been dismantled, and the current program is more tightly regulated.

However, some abandoned sheds still remain on streets. If you see a derelict shed that looks like it hasn't been touched in months, report it. It is likely an abandoned streetery, and the city has been pushing for their removal.