Street Vendor — Blocking the 12 ft Pedestrian Clear Path

Vending is prohibited unless the sidewalk retains at least a 12-foot-wide clear pedestrian path, measured from the property line to the nearest obstruction or to the curb. A cart leaving less than 12 ft of walkable width is a possible violation. Clear-path width is a photo estimate — cite only when the remaining path is clearly well under 12 ft, and do not cite when the estimate is within roughly 2 ft of the threshold.

• pedestrians forced single-file around the cart
• narrow remaining gap between the cart and the curb or wall
• cart spanning most of the sidewalk width

1. Photograph vendor setup, cart, and whether permit decal is visible.
2. Note distance from curb, crosswalk, or subway entrance.
3. File at 311 under Vendor Enforcement or Mobile Food Vendor.

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

DCWP and DOHMH fines vary by license type; unlicensed vending can result in confiscation and fines over $1,000.

DCWP and NYPD enforce vending rules. Food vendors also fall under DOHMH grade and permit requirements.

• Street vendors