Sidewalk Shed — Insufficient Clear Path (Less Than 5 Feet)

Sidewalk sheds must maintain a minimum clear pedestrian path of five feet unless DOT grants a narrower variance. Sheds, fencing, or stored materials that force pedestrians into the roadway are violations.

• sidewalk shed leaving less than five feet of clear walking space
• pedestrians forced to walk in bike lane or traffic lane due to shed width
• construction materials stored under shed narrowing the path below code minimum

1. Photograph the site, permit signage (or absence), and hazard.
2. Capture job number from shed permit if posted.
3. File at 311 under Construction, Scaffold Safety, or General Construction.
4. Mark whether pedestrians are forced into traffic.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOB / NYC DOT.

DOB violations carry civil penalties from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars; imminent hazards can trigger Stop Work Orders.

DOB inspectors respond to safety complaints. Missing permits or after-hours work can result in immediate enforcement and work stoppage.

• Scaffolding & sheds
• Construction noise