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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Street Vending / DOT-VND-014
General Vendor — Within 20 ft of a Sidewalk Cafe
Regulation
Street Vending · NYC DCWP · NYC Admin Code §20-465(q)
General Vendor — Within 20 ft of a Sidewalk Cafe is enforced by NYC DCWP under NYC Admin Code §20-465(q). Severity default: Low.
The regulation
A general vendor may not vend within 20 feet of a sidewalk cafe or a stoop-line stand.
What to photograph
- cart adjacent to outdoor cafe seating or railing
- cart beside an enclosed sidewalk dining structure
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 appFAQ
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.
Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?
We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.