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SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Outdoor Dining / DOT-RC-005
Roadway Cafe — Operating Out of Season (Nov 30 – Mar 31)
Outdoor Dining · NYC DOT · 34 RCNY §5-10(n) (eff. March 3, 2024)
Roadway Cafe — Operating Out of Season (Nov 30 – Mar 31) is enforced by NYC DOT under 34 RCNY §5-10(n) (eff. March 3, 2024). Severity default: Medium.
The rule
Roadway cafes shall not operate on any day from November 30 to March 31, inclusive. All barriers, furnishings, and decorative elements of a roadway cafe must be removed during this period. Setup may begin no earlier than March 24 and teardown must be completed no later than December 7.
What to photograph
- roadway cafe with patrons or active dining visible in winter weather (snow, ice, bare trees)
- roadway barriers and dining furniture left in roadway during winter months
- outdoor roadway dining setup operating in what appears to be late November, December, January, February, or early March
- roadway cafe structure present in the roadway during winter seasonal context
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.
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.