Roadway Cafe — Fire Hydrant Clearance (15 ft)

A roadway cafe must maintain a minimum distance of 15 feet from a fire hydrant. This is stricter than the 8-foot requirement for sidewalk cafes. No barrier, furniture, or element of the roadway cafe may be within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

• roadway cafe barriers or dining furniture placed close to a fire hydrant at the curb
• water-filled roadway barriers extending alongside a fire hydrant
• outdoor roadway dining setup that appears to be within 15 feet of a hydrant

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 / FDNY.

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