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SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Street Vending / DOT-VND-013
Street Vendor — Within 20 ft of a Building Entrance or Place of Public Assembly
Street Vending · NYC DOHMH / DCWP · NYC Admin Code §17-315(d) (food); §20-465(d) (general)
Street Vendor — Within 20 ft of a Building Entrance or Place of Public Assembly is enforced by NYC DOHMH / DCWP under NYC Admin Code §17-315(d) (food); §20-465(d) (general). Severity default: Medium.
The rule
Vendors may not place a cart against the display windows of a fixed business, nor within 20 feet of any building entranceway, store, theater, sports arena, or other place of public assembly, nor within 20 feet of the exits of street-level residential buildings.
What to photograph
- cart directly in front of a doorway
- cart against a storefront display window
- cart by a theater or arena entrance
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 DOHMH / 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.