Roadway Cafe — Obstructing Signage Visibility (46-inch Height Limit Near Signs)

Any element of a roadway cafe, including decorative plantings, located within 50 feet of any regulatory or warning sign (Stop, Yield, One-Way, Wrong Way, Do Not Enter, Pedestrian Crossing, School Crossing, Speed Limit) must be no greater than 46 inches in height.

• tall plantings, decorative elements, or cafe structures near a Stop or Yield sign
• overhead covering, umbrella, or tall barrier within approximately 50 feet of a traffic sign
• roadway cafe element that appears to visually obstruct or partially block a regulatory road sign
• overgrown planters or tall decorative poles near an intersection with traffic signage

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