Roadway Cafe — Crosswalk Clearance Violation

A roadway cafe must maintain: (a) 20 feet minimum distance from a crosswalk where the nearest travel lane carries approaching traffic toward the intersection; (b) 8 feet minimum distance where the nearest travel lane carries exiting traffic; (c) 20 feet minimum from any unmarked crosswalk (curb line of an intersecting street).

• roadway cafe barriers extending close to or into a painted crosswalk
• outdoor dining setup appearing to be within 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk
• roadway dining barriers that appear to partially overlap with crosswalk markings
• roadway cafe placed very close to an intersection corner

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.

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