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General Sidewalk Obstruction — Admin Code §19-136
Sidewalk Obstruction · NYC DOT / DSNY · NYC Administrative Code §19-136
General Sidewalk Obstruction — Admin Code §19-136 is enforced by NYC DOT / DSNY under NYC Administrative Code §19-136. Severity default: Medium.
The rule
No person shall place, deposit, or permit to remain on any sidewalk any box, barrel, bale of merchandise, or other encumbrance. Sidewalks must remain passable for pedestrian traffic at all times.
What to photograph
- merchandise, crates, or boxes placed on sidewalk outside a store
- garbage bags or commercial waste blocking pedestrian path
- bicycles, scooters, or vehicles parked on the sidewalk
- construction materials or debris outside permitted area
- A-frame signs or sandwich boards blocking pedestrian flow
How to file a complaint
- Photograph trash, bags, or spill at the curb with building address visible.
- Note time of day — set-out time violations require proof of early placement.
- File at 311 under Dirty Conditions or Sanitation.
- For commercial waste, note business name on signage if visible.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT / DSNY.
Penalties & fines
DSNY fines range from $50–$500+ for set-out time, containerization, and dirty-area violations. Repeat commercial offenders may face escalated penalties.
What happens after you file
DSNY Sanitation Enforcement inspects and may issue Notices of Violation. Residential issues may be referred to property management; commercial routes get BIC oversight.
SidewalkSnitch supports photo analysis for dining 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 dining 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.