Roadway Cafe — Lighting & Electrical Connection Violations

Roadway cafe lighting must be outdoor-rated, properly secured, protected, and lightweight. Wires for electrification must be connected above-head and may not be connected on or near the ground or within street tree beds. No connections may be made or attached to electrical equipment or other property owned or controlled by the City, including street trees, streetlights, or traffic signals. Electrical connections must be at least 14 feet above the sidewalk and 18 feet above the roadway.

• extension cords or electrical cables running along the ground or roadway surface into a roadway cafe
• wiring snaked through a street tree bed or anchored to a street tree
• power lines spliced into a streetlight pole or traffic signal serving the cafe
• overhead wires strung lower than approximately 14 ft over the sidewalk or 18 ft over the roadway
• exposed sockets, junction boxes, or splices at ground level inside the cafe

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 DOB.

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