New York City Council Votes to Reform Scaffolding and Sidewalk Shed Rules to Reduce Their Presence, Improving Public Safety and NYC’s Streetscapes

 

Today, the New York City Council passed legislation to strengthen the safety and efficiency of sidewalk shed management, including bills to shorten the duration of sidewalk shed permits and improve their designs. There are currently over 8,400 scaffolding structures across New York City, and the extremely lengthy duration of their presence negatively impacts public safety and streetscapes. The majority are concentrated in Manhattan and the average age of scaffolding in New York City is over 500 days old – 334 scaffolding structures have been in place for more than five years.

The Council also voted to establish a sleep apnea screening pilot program. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and cognitive problems, potentially decreasing life expectancy. The program will seek to expand access to preventive medical care and improve health outcomes by providing screenings to New Yorkers at no cost, prioritizing individuals without insurance.

“Sidewalk sheds have been a pervasive problem in our city for far too long, covering our streetscape and negatively impacting public safety,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to advance these reform laws that will improve our residents’ quality of life, make our streets more vibrant, and hasten the removal of these blights from our neighborhoods. I’m proud that, under the leadership of this Council, we are finally taking action to address these challenges.”

Strengthening Safety and Efficiency of Sidewalk Shed Management

Introduction 391-A, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, would require the Department of Buildings (DOB) to complete a study and recommend new sidewalk shed designs to the Council by September 30, 2025. This bill would also allow more color options for sheds, require corresponding construction fences to match the color of the sidewalk shed, increase lighting beneath sidewalk sheds, and raise the minimum height of sidewalk sheds to 12 feet barring areas where exits, light, or ventilation would be obstructed. Finally, this bill would require DOB to publicize rules on the use of containment netting as a sidewalk shed alternative.

Introduction 393-A, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, would reduce the duration of sidewalk shed permits for façade repairs from 1 year to 3 months, unless connected to demolition, a building alteration, or new building construction. This bill would also create new penalties for property owners who delay necessary repairs for sidewalk sheds occupying the public right-of-way. Penalties would be enforced beginning with the second permit renewal, increasing based on the size and age of the shed. When renewing a shed permit, owners must now provide proof of work done since the last renewal or provide documentation to explain any delays.

Introduction 394-A, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, would require DOB to review the frequency of the Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) and recommend changes to the Council by December 31, 2025. This bill would also extend the inspection cycle from every 5 years to a longer interval time between 6 to 12 years and delay the first required inspection for any new building from 5 to 9 years.

“For too long, our city has been covered in over 400 miles of ugly, dingy scaffolding that impacts the experience of everyday New Yorkers, small business owners, and people coming to visit our city,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “It doesn’t have to be this way, and this package of legislation puts forward reforms to fundamentally change our approach to scaffolding while ensuring safety is still the top priority.”

Introduction 660-A, sponsored by Council Member Erik Bottcher, would double the required level of lighting under sidewalk sheds and would require that lighting under sidewalk sheds be LED lights. Additionally, this bill would require lighting fixtures within a 20-foot radius of a window or glass door to be adjustable or shielded to prevent excess brightness in surrounding homes.

Introduction 661-A, sponsored by Council Member Erik Bottcher, would strengthen enforcement of façade repairs by introducing penalties for the following: Failure to submit construction documents to DOB within 5 months of completion, failure to file necessary permit applications within 8 months, and failure to complete repairs within 2 years. Property owners would be able to request extensions by submitting documentation that proves delays are unavoidable, and penalties would be tolled until an extension is granted or denied. DOB would determine the duration of an extension based on factors including size of building, scope of repair work, and necessary materials.

“Ask any New Yorker and they’ll tell you: sidewalk sheds are the permanent guest that never leaves,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. What was meant to be a temporary safety measure has become a symbol of dysfunction on our streets. Today, I’m proud to join Speaker Adrienne Adams and my colleagues in unveiling a bold legislative package that will finally bring accountability, transparency, and urgency to our scaffolding laws.

“With this legislation, we’re saying loud and clear: the days of scaffolding staying up for years on end are coming to an end,” added Council Member Bottcher. “We’re cutting through red tape, closing loopholes, and putting the needs of pedestrians first — without compromising safety. This is about restoring beauty, safety, and common sense to our sidewalks. It’s about proving that in New York City, we don’t have to live with problems just because they’ve always been there. This package is a game-changer for every neighborhood — and a long-overdue win for all New Yorkers.”