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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Trees & Parks / PRK-TRE-003
Trees — Overgrown Branches Blocking Sidewalk or Signs
Regulation
Trees & Parks · NYC Parks / NYC DOT · NYC Admin Code §7-210; 56 RCNY §1-04
Trees — Overgrown Branches Blocking Sidewalk or Signs is enforced by NYC Parks / NYC DOT under NYC Admin Code §7-210; 56 RCNY §1-04. Severity default: Medium.
The regulation
Property owners and Parks share responsibility for clearance: branches must provide at least seven feet clearance over sidewalks. Low-hanging limbs forcing pedestrians to duck or walk in street are violations.
What to photograph
- tree branches less than seven feet above sidewalk
- foliage obscuring street sign or traffic signal
- pedestrians bending or moving into street to avoid branches
How to file a complaint
- Photograph tree damage or hanging limb with street sign for location.
- For emergencies (limb on wire, blocking road), call 311 immediately.
- File under Damaged Tree or Overgrown Tree/Branches.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC Parks / NYC DOT.
Penalties & fines
Unauthorized tree damage carries fines up to $15,000 and possible criminal penalties.
What happens after you file
Parks Forestry inspects and schedules pruning or removal. Emergency hanging limbs may get same-day response.
This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.
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.
Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?
We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.