Sidewalk or Roadway Cafe — ADA Accessibility Violation

A sidewalk cafe and roadway cafe must be directly accessible to persons with physical disabilities. The design of such cafe must comply with applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and rules promulgated thereunder, and applicable requirements of the NYC Building Code. Roadway cafes without flooring must provide a compliant ramp.

• step or curb-height transition into the cafe with no ramp
• narrow entry point or barrier gap too tight for a wheelchair
• roadway cafe with raised flooring but no visible ramp from curb
• interior table spacing visibly too tight for wheelchair maneuvering
• no accessible-path signage and a visibly inaccessible entry

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 / Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

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