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SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Outdoor Dining / DOT-SC-004
Sidewalk Cafe — Clearance from Bus Stop (8 ft minimum)
Outdoor Dining · NYC DOT · 34 RCNY §5-11(a)(1)(iv) Clearances Table (eff. March 3, 2024)
Sidewalk Cafe — Clearance from Bus Stop (8 ft minimum) is enforced by NYC DOT under 34 RCNY §5-11(a)(1)(iv) Clearances Table (eff. March 3, 2024). Severity default: Medium.
The rule
A sidewalk cafe must maintain a minimum distance of 8 feet from bus stop poles and bus stop shelters. No element of the cafe may encroach within 8 feet of these objects.
What to photograph
- cafe furniture or perimeter next to a bus stop sign pole
- outdoor dining setup positioned adjacent to an MTA bus stop shelter
- tables or chairs extending toward a visible bus stop sign on the sidewalk
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.
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.