Living rule book
NYC roadway cafe rules on one street
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. Where a roadway cafe may go
Not allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(1)(ii)
A roadway cafe may only go in parking spaces, or in Truck Loading Only, Loading Only, Hotel Loading or No Parking zones. It may not be in a travel, bike or bus lane, a No Standing or No Stopping zone, a bus stop, or a space reserved by permit.
Official sources
Read the rule →2. In front of the restaurant, 40 × 8 ft at most
Allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(1)(i), (iv)(A)–(B)
A roadway cafe may only use the roadway directly in front of the restaurant that runs it. It may be at most 40 ft long and 8 ft wide, and DOT may require less for safety.
Official sources
Read the rule →3. Fire hydrant: 15 feet
Not allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(1)(iii), (a)(1)(iv)
Keep a roadway cafe 15 ft from a fire hydrant. (A sidewalk cafe needs 8 ft.)
Official sources
Read the rule →4. Crosswalk: 20 feet
Not allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(1)(vi)–(vii)
Keep 20 ft from a marked crosswalk when traffic in the lane next to the cafe drives toward it, as here, and 8 ft when traffic drives away from it. If the crosswalk is not marked, keep 20 ft from the curb line of the cross street.
Official sources
Read the rule →5. Setback from the frontage edge
Not allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(1)(iv)(D)
A 40 ft roadway cafe must stay 4 ft 6 in inside the edges of the restaurant frontage, as extended into the street, and 6 ft from a neighbouring roadway cafe. Cafes shorter than 40 ft: 3 ft between cafes and 1 ft 6 in from the frontage edge.
Official sources
Read the rule →6. Emergency lane: 15 feet
Not allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(1)(iv)(C)
A 15 ft emergency travel lane must stay open on every street. It can be less only if the Fire Department sends DOT a letter of no objection.
Official sources
Read the rule →7. Barriers
Allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(2)(i)
Barriers go on every side except the restaurant side and may not be fixed to the road. They must be 30 to 42 in high and at least 4 in wide, water-filled (at least 150 lb per linear foot), linked together, with a reflective strip at least 4 in wide on the outside.
Official sources
Read the rule →8. Flooring and drainage
Allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(2)(ii); § 5-10(a)(3)
Flooring must be flush with the curb and leave a 6 in covered channel between the curb and the floor, so water can drain. With no flooring, the cafe needs an accessible ramp. No rugs or artificial turf. Lift the flooring for cleaning at least weekly.
Official sources
Read the rule →9. Screens and umbrellas
Allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(2)(iv)
Screens are allowed only on the roadway side, up to 6 ft above the cafe floor, and must stay see-through: plants, lattice or clear plexiglass. Opaque screens are not allowed. Umbrellas and overhead covers must be 7 to 10 ft above the floor, on a weighted base.
Official sources
Read the rule →10. Street tree
Not allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(1)(v)
No part of a roadway cafe may reach into or attach to a street tree bed or the tree canopy. Cutting or pruning a street tree needs a Parks tree work permit.
Official sources
Read the rule →11. Lights and power wires
Allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-11(b)(2)(v)
Power wires must run overhead, not on or near the ground or in tree beds, and may not attach to City property or street trees. Connections must be at least 14 ft above the sidewalk and 18 ft above the roadway.
Official sources
Read the rule →12. Closed for the winter
Allowed · 34 RCNY § 5-10(n)
A roadway cafe may not operate from November 30 to March 31, and everything must be removed then. Set-up may start no earlier than March 24, and take-down may run to December 7 at the latest, on dates DOT posts.
Official sources
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