NYC rules · Ask Grok
SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Outdoor Dining / DOT-DIN-004
Dining Out NYC — No Blocking Subway Entrance
Outdoor Dining · NYC DOT / MTA · 34 RCNY §5-11(a)(1)(iv) — Sidewalk Cafe Clearances Table
Dining Out NYC — No Blocking Subway Entrance is enforced by NYC DOT / MTA under 34 RCNY §5-11(a)(1)(iv) — Sidewalk Cafe Clearances Table. Severity default: High.
The rule
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.
What to photograph
- 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
How to file a complaint
- Photograph the obstruction from sidewalk level showing clear path width.
- Capture any posted DOT dining license or permit if visible.
- File via 311 under Sidewalk Café / Outdoor Dining, or use SidewalkSnitch dining analysis.
- Describe how pedestrians are forced into the street or bike lane.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT / MTA.
Penalties & fines
DOT may issue notices of violation to licensed cafés; unlicensed setups can face removal orders and fines. Repeat violations can affect license renewal.
What happens after you file
DOT Sidewalk Café Inspection responds to encroachment complaints. Licensed sites are measured against permit bounds; unlicensed structures may be tagged for removal.
SidewalkSnitch supports photo analysis for dining complaints. Draft a filing in the app →
Related guides
FAQ
Can I file anonymously?
311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings but does not auto-submit to 311.
Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?
SidewalkSnitch can analyze photos for dining violations and prepare a ready-to-file draft. Direct 311 submission is not live yet — you file at 311.nyc.gov for a Service Request Number.