Blocked Sidewalk or Street

Blocked Sidewalk or Street
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    You can make a complaint about blocked streets and sidewalks.

    Property owners and businesses must keep sidewalks clear of objects that block pedestrian traffic.

    It is illegal to block streets from car traffic unless you have a permit.

    Sandwich and A-frame signs must be positioned within the 5-foot area adjoining the building.

    Online

    Report a blocked sidewalk or street.

    By Phone

    Call 311 for assistance.

    What Happens Next

    The Department of Sanitation responds to this type of report in 3 to 7 business days.

    You can report an ATM located on a sidewalk.

    An ATM must be located in a store or behind a building’s property line. The property owner is responsible for making sure that the ATM is in the correct location. 

    What Happens Next

    The Department of Transportation will inspect the reported location and will issue a summons to the property owner if the ATM does not comply with regulations.

    The fine for not removing an illegal ATM is $2,500.

    Additionally, property owners may be charged an additional $5,000 fine for every five days that the violation continues.

    Active construction sites and repair activity must allow enough room for sidewalk and street traffic to pass. 

    You can report sidewalks or streets that are blocked by construction equipment, barriers, or activity. This includes reports of items that were left behind after construction was completed and construction vehicles blocking street traffic at a construction site. If the construction vehicles are not at a construction site, use the Illegal Parking page.

    You can also report large dumpsters containing construction debris that are blocking City streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, or bus stops.

    What Happens Next

    The Department of Transportation will inspect the site to determine whether it is complying with construction permit regulations and will issue violations when appropriate.

    You can report overgrown weeds or grass making a sidewalk difficult to use.

    Call 311 for assistance.

    What Happens Next

    The Department of Sanitation responds to this type of report within 5 business days.

    Businesses and commercial buildings must keep sidewalk areas free of objects that could impede pedestrian traffic.

    Businesses that participate in the Open Storefronts Program may display merchandise on sidewalks if:

    • Objects or goods are directly next to the building
    • Objects or goods extend no more than 5 feet from the property line
    • An 8-foot clear path is maintained for pedestrians

    You can report sidewalks or streets that are blocked by:

    • Coin-operated rides 
    • Merchandise 
    • Bins
    • Racks 
    • Large sidewalk displays

    Online

    Report a blocked sidewalk or street.

    By Phone

    Call 311 for assistance.

    What Happens Next

    The Department of Sanitation responds to this type of report in 3 to 7 business days.

    Zero Sidewalk Display Streets

    Certain locations are designated "zero sidewalk display" streets, meaning stores cannot display items on the sidewalk.

    Zero sidewalk display street rules do not apply to business owners authorized to participate in the temporary Open Storefronts program. Participants must follow the siting criteria for Open Storefronts instead. The Open Storefronts program will run from October 30, 2020 to September 30, 2021.

    You can find out if your business is on a zero sidewalk display street.

    Call 311 for assistance by phone.

    You can report basketball hoops or similar personal property blocking sidewalks or streets.

    What Happens Next

    Officers from your local police precinct will respond when they are not handling emergency situations.

    You can report sidewalk stands, also known as stoop line stands, that are blocking the sidewalk

    Businesses must have a Stoop Line Stand License to sell fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, soft drinks, ice cream, or confectionery from sidewalk stands. The stands must be within specific boundaries to keep public sidewalks clear.

    The content action "Report a sidewalk stand blocking the sidewalk." does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

    What Happens Next

    If you provide an email address with your Service Request, you will receive a notification by email. You may also be emailed a complaint form, which you must complete and return. Be sure to check your spam folder in addition to your inbox.

    Trash bags and containers, including dumpsters, may only be placed on the sidewalk at specific times.

    • Residential properties may place trash containers out starting at 4 PM the evening before the collection day.
    • Commercial properties may place trash containers out for collection 1 hour before an establishment closes if the private carter picks up after closing, or within 2 hours of the actual collection if the private carter picks up during the day.

    You can report items left in the street by residents and businesses, such as:

    • Trash bags
    • Trash bins
    • Dumpsters
    • Discarded merchandise

    You can also report trash cans or bins that repeatedly block the sidewalk. You must provide the days when the trash is blocking the sidewalk.

    Online

    Report a sidewalk or street blocked by trash, bins, or discarded goods.

    By Phone

    Call 311 for assistance.

    What Happens Next

    The Department of Sanitation responds to this type of report in 3 to 7 business days.

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