NYC rules · Ask Grok
SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Street Vending / DOT-VND-005
General Vendor — Stand Footprint Exceeds 8 ft × 3 ft
Street Vending · NYC DCWP · NYC Admin Code §20-465(b)
General Vendor — Stand Footprint Exceeds 8 ft × 3 ft is enforced by NYC DCWP under NYC Admin Code §20-465(b). Severity default: Medium.
The rule
A general vendor may occupy no more than 8 linear feet of public space parallel to the curb and no more than 3 linear feet measured from the curb toward the property line. Dimensions are photo estimates — cite only when the footprint clearly exceeds the limit, not for borderline cases.
What to photograph
- stand or table longer than roughly one parking-meter span
- merchandise array extending well past the cart along the curb
- deep footprint reaching toward the building line
How to file a complaint
- Photograph vendor setup, cart, and whether permit decal is visible.
- Note distance from curb, crosswalk, or subway entrance.
- File at 311 under Vendor Enforcement or Mobile Food Vendor.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DCWP.
Penalties & fines
DCWP and DOHMH fines vary by license type; unlicensed vending can result in confiscation and fines over $1,000.
What happens after you file
DCWP and NYPD enforce vending rules. Food vendors also fall under DOHMH grade and permit requirements.
SidewalkSnitch supports photo analysis for vendor 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 vendor 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.