Sidewalk Cafe — Lighting Violation (Too High, Attached to City Property or Street Trees)

Sidewalk cafe lighting must be outdoor-rated, properly secured, lightweight, and located within the cafe perimeter. Lighting may not exceed 10 feet in height. No lighting or electrical connections may be attached to any city-owned property including street trees, streetlights, traffic signals, or any other city infrastructure. All electrical power must be supplied from the building. Clarification: decorative string lights, festoon lights, and globe lights mounted to the building, the cafe frame, or a cafe support are permitted — only cite this rule for exposed or frayed hazardous wiring, or wiring fastened to a living street tree or other city property.

• string lights or fixtures strung from or attached to a street tree within a sidewalk cafe
• cafe lighting wires or fixtures attached to a streetlight pole or traffic signal
• lighting fixtures on poles or stands exceeding approximately 10 feet in height within the cafe
• extension cords or wiring running from city electrical equipment to a sidewalk cafe
• festoon lights draped over or tied to city street furniture or poles

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