Living rule book
NYC construction site rules on one block
Each number marks a rule. Pick a number to zoom in and read the rule with its official source. Open it to read the full rule page.
- Not allowed
- Allowed
- What the rule is about
- Distance in the rule
Plain-language summaries. The official text linked with each rule is the law. Not legal advice.
All rules on this street
The same rules as the drawing, in order.
1. When a sidewalk shed is required
Allowed · NYC Building Code § 3307.6.2
A sidewalk shed must cover the sidewalk under a scaffold, mast climber or chute; for facade work more than 40 ft above the curb; for a new building over 40 ft tall when the sidewalk is closer than half its height; and for demolition of a building over 25 ft tall. The code lists a few exceptions, such as a closed sidewalk.
Official sources
Read the rule →2. A shed needs a permit
Not allowed · NYC Building Code §§ 3307.6.1, 3307.6.5.14
No one may put up a sidewalk shed without a DOB permit. Only the signs that the Building Code allows may go on the shed.
Official sources
Read the rule →3. Room to walk under the shed
Allowed · NYC Building Code § 3307.6.4.7
The walkway under a sidewalk shed must have at least 12 ft of clear height. It may be lower only where that is needed to keep the light, air or exits that the building requires. Lights that hang up to 8 in below the deck do not count.
Official sources
Open the official source →4. Lit at all times
Allowed · NYC Building Code § 3307.6.4.8
The walkway under a sidewalk shed must be lit at all times, by natural or electric light, to at least 1.5 footcandles. Within 10 ft of a subway entrance or bus shelter it must have at least 5 footcandles.
Official sources
Open the official source →5. Deck, parapet and upkeep
Allowed · NYC Building Code §§ 3307.6.4, 3307.6.5.5
The deck of a sidewalk shed must be tight planking at least 2 in thick, with a parapet 3 ft 6 in to 4 ft high along its edge. The deck must be swept daily.
Official sources
Open the official source →6. Shed color
Allowed · NYC Building Code § 3307.6.4.11
A sidewalk shed must be painted hunter green, metallic gray or white. On an existing building it may instead match the color of the facade.
Official sources
Open the official source →7. Fence around the site
Allowed · NYC Building Code § 3307.7
A site with a new building, a demolition down to grade, or an open excavation must be closed off with a solid fence at least 8 ft high.
Official sources
Open the official source →8. Protect a street opening
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-109
Anyone who opens or digs up a street, or blocks part of it for work, must keep barriers, shoring, lighting, warning signs or other protection in place until the work is done or the danger is gone. A sign at the site must name the permit holder, the party the work is for, and any contractors. No one may move the barriers, signs or lights without consent.
Official sources
Read the rule →9. Building work needs a permit
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 28-105.1
No one may build, alter, repair or demolish a building without a written DOB permit, except for the minor work that the code lists.
Official sources
Read the rule →10. Construction hours
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 24-222
Construction work may only happen on weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM. One exception: alteration work on an owner-occupied one- or two-family home may also happen on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, if the home is more than 300 ft from a house of worship.
Official sources
Read the rule →11. Work after hours
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 24-223
Work before 7 AM, after 6 PM or on a weekend needs an after-hours authorization from the agency that issued the permit. It may be given for an emergency, public safety, a City project, work that makes very little noise, or undue hardship, and the contractor must certify a noise mitigation plan.
Official sources
Read the rule →12. Keep the facade safe
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 28-302.1
An owner must keep the exterior walls of a building, and everything attached to them, in a safe condition. Buildings over six stories must also have their facades examined by a registered design professional at set intervals.
Official sources
Read the rule →
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