Sidewalk Cafe — Clearance from Fire Hydrant (8 ft minimum)

A sidewalk cafe must maintain a minimum distance of 8 feet from a fire hydrant. No furniture, perimeter barrier, planter, or any element of the sidewalk cafe may be placed within 8 feet of a fire hydrant.

• cafe tables, chairs, or perimeter barriers placed close to a red fire hydrant
• outdoor dining setup adjacent to a fire hydrant on the sidewalk
• planter or stanchion rope partially blocking access to a fire hydrant
• furniture or barriers appearing to be within 8 feet of a hydrant

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 / FDNY.

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