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SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Street Vending / DOT-VND-017
Street Vendor — Cart Touching or Blocking a Fire Hydrant
Street Vending · NYC DCWP / DOHMH / FDNY · NYC Admin Code §20-465(c) (general); §17-315(b) (food)
Street Vendor — Cart Touching or Blocking a Fire Hydrant is enforced by NYC DCWP / DOHMH / FDNY under NYC Admin Code §20-465(c) (general); §17-315(b) (food). Severity default: High.
The rule
A cart, vehicle, goods, or vending items may not touch, lean against, or block a fire hydrant.
What to photograph
- cart over or against a fire hydrant
- merchandise covering a hydrant
- hydrant access obstructed by the stand
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 / DOHMH / FDNY.
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.