Sidewalk or Roadway Cafe — Maintenance Violation (Trash, Vermin, Unsanitary)

Sidewalk cafes and roadway cafes must be kept clean, well-maintained, and clear of trash, debris, graffiti, vermin, food scraps, and unsanitary conditions at all times. Licensees must also keep clean the area of the roadway extending 1.5 feet beyond a roadway cafe on all sides. Trash may not be stored within the cafe area. Clarification: a municipal or public litter basket (a city trash can) standing near the cafe is permitted and is not the cafe's equipment — only cite this rule for the cafe's own debris, spillage, or overflowing waste.

• visible trash, food scraps, or garbage accumulated within or around a sidewalk or roadway cafe
• graffiti on cafe furniture, barriers, awnings, or umbrellas
• rodent evidence (droppings, gnaw marks, bait stations) near or within outdoor dining area
• generally dirty, neglected, or unsanitary condition of a sidewalk or roadway cafe
• garbage bags stored inside or alongside a sidewalk cafe perimeter

1. Photograph trash, bags, or spill at the curb with building address visible.
2. Note time of day — set-out time violations require proof of early placement.
3. File at 311 under Dirty Conditions or Sanitation.
4. For commercial waste, note business name on signage if visible.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT / DSNY.

DSNY fines range from $50–$500+ for set-out time, containerization, and dirty-area violations. Repeat commercial offenders may face escalated penalties.

DSNY Sanitation Enforcement inspects and may issue Notices of Violation. Residential issues may be referred to property management; commercial routes get BIC oversight.

• Dirty sidewalks
• Rats and rodents