Living rule book
NYC sidewalk and curb 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. Broken or missing sidewalk flags
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-152(a)(1)–(3)
The property owner must install and repair the sidewalk flags in front of the property, at the owner’s cost, when DOT orders it. Defects DOT can order fixed include a missing flag, a flag cracked so pieces come loose, and a flag that rocks or has a hole under it.
Official sources
Read the rule →2. Trip hazard: 1/2 inch
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-152(a)(4)
A trip hazard is a height difference of 1/2 in or more between two flags, or a hole at least 1 in across in every direction and 1/2 in deep. It is a defect the owner must repair when DOT orders it.
Official sources
Read the rule →3. Cellar doors and hardware
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-152(a)(6)
Hardware in the sidewalk must be flush within 1/2 in of the surface. A cellar door must not bend more than 1 in when walked on, must be skid resistant, and must be safe. If not, DOT can order the owner to repair it.
Official sources
Open the official source →4. An open sidewalk vault
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-119
Only the building’s owner or occupant may take off a vault grate or cover in the sidewalk, and only to use the vault. While it is open, it needs a strong box or curb at least 12 in high; an opening over 2 sq ft needs railings at least 3 ft high. Covers may come off only after sunrise and must go back within half an hour after sunset.
Official sources
Read the rule →5. Store goods on the sidewalk
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-136(a), (d)
A store may not hang or place goods more than 3 ft out from its building or more than 5 ft above the sidewalk, or rent sidewalk space to others to sell. Some streets ban sidewalk displays entirely, and the goods must be the store’s own, of the kind sold inside.
Official sources
Read the rule →6. No cars on the sidewalk
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-136(b)
No one may use the sidewalk, between the building line and the curb, to park, store, show or sell motor vehicles.
Official sources
Read the rule →7. Clean sidewalk and 18 inches of street
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-118(2)(a)
The owner, tenant or person in charge must keep the sidewalk, flags and curb in front free of litter and obstructions, and also clean the street for 18 in (1.5 ft) out from the curb. Catch basins in that strip are not their job.
Official sources
Read the rule →8. No sweeping trash into the street
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-118(1)(a)
No one may litter, or sweep or throw trash, dust or other refuse into the street or any public place, or let a worker do it.
Official sources
Open the official source →9. Snow: 4 hours to clear
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-123(a)
Whoever is in charge of a building must clear snow and ice from the sidewalk and gutter within 4 hours after the snow stops. The hours from 9 PM to 7 AM do not count.
Official sources
Read the rule →10. Ice frozen too hard to remove
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-123(b)
If ice is frozen too hard to remove without damaging the sidewalk, spread ashes, sand, sawdust or similar material within the same 4 hours, and clean the sidewalk as soon as the weather allows.
Official sources
Read the rule →11. Curb ramps at the corner
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 19-112
New and rebuilt curbs need two ramps at a street corner and one at a mid-block crosswalk. Each ramp is at least 4 ft wide, slopes 8 percent or less, and meets the roadway flush or with a lip of no more than 5/8 in.
Official sources
Read the rule →
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