Roadway Cafe — Encroaching on or Attached to Street Tree Bed

No element of a roadway cafe shall encroach upon or attach to a street tree bed or canopy of a street tree. A street tree may not be cut, pruned, or removed except as authorized pursuant to a tree work permit from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. Barriers, planters, lighting, screening, and decorative elements must clear the tree pit and the tree canopy.

• roadway cafe barriers, planters, or flooring overlapping a street tree pit
• string lights or decorations tied to, draped over, or stapled to a street tree trunk or branches
• umbrella or overhead covering pushed up against tree branches
• cafe element built around a tree such that the tree pit is covered or obstructed
• pruned, broken, or damaged branches near a roadway cafe with no posted Parks permit

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 / NYC Parks.

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