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SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Street Vending / DOT-VND-014
General Vendor — Within 20 ft of a Sidewalk Cafe
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 rule
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 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.