Dining Out NYC — No Blocking Subway Entrance

Sidewalk cafe furniture, structures, and equipment must not be placed within 15 feet of a subway stair entrance (open/entry side). Additionally, a 10-foot minimum clearance is required from a subway elevator entrance and from MTA exhaust ducts or vent gratings. These are part of the §5-11 sidewalk cafe clearance table.

• tables or chairs placed directly in front of or adjacent to subway stairs
• outdoor dining setup blocking MTA subway entrance signage
• furniture within ~15 feet of visible subway grating or entrance
• cafe within ~10 feet of a subway elevator door

1. Photograph the obstruction from sidewalk level showing clear path width.
2. Capture any posted DOT dining license or permit if visible.
3. File via 311 under Sidewalk Café / Outdoor Dining, or use SidewalkSnitch dining analysis.
4. Describe how pedestrians are forced into the street or bike lane.

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

DOT may issue notices of violation to licensed cafés; unlicensed setups can face removal orders and fines. Repeat violations can affect license renewal.

DOT Sidewalk Café Inspection responds to encroachment complaints. Licensed sites are measured against permit bounds; unlicensed structures may be tagged for removal.

• Outdoor dining violations