Roadway Cafe — Barriers Non-Compliant (Missing, Wrong Height, No Reflective Strip)

Roadway cafe barriers must: (1) be present on all sides except the restaurant-facing side; (2) be 30-42 inches in height; (3) be water-filled with at least 150 lbs of fill per linear foot; (4) be interconnected; (5) have a reflective strip at least 4 inches wide along the entire outward-facing side. Barriers must not be affixed to the roadway.

• roadway cafe with no protective barriers on the roadway-facing or traffic-facing side
• barriers that appear shorter than approximately 30 inches or taller than 42 inches
• barriers that appear empty or deflated (no fill material visible)
• barriers not connected to each other, leaving gaps between units
• barriers with no visible reflective strip on the traffic-facing side
• barriers that appear bolted or anchored to the roadway surface

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