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SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Outdoor Dining / DOT-SC-003
Sidewalk Cafe — Clearance from Fire Hydrant (8 ft minimum)
Outdoor Dining · NYC DOT / FDNY · 34 RCNY §5-11(a)(1)(iv) Clearances Table (eff. March 3, 2024)
Sidewalk Cafe — Clearance from Fire Hydrant (8 ft minimum) is enforced by NYC DOT / FDNY under 34 RCNY §5-11(a)(1)(iv) Clearances Table (eff. March 3, 2024). Severity default: High.
The rule
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.
What to photograph
- 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
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 / FDNY.
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.