New enforcement procedures finalized to get sheds down faster
DOB also issuing new proposed rule to support improved shed designs
More than 1,000 fewer permitted sidewalk sheds on city streets compared with last year
Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Ahmed Tigani announced major progress in taking down sidewalk sheds across New York City, including new enforcement measures to get sheds down faster and proposed designs to make necessary sheds less intrusive for New Yorkers.
DOB today issued final rules to strengthen oversight and enforcement of sidewalk sheds, requiring building owners to begin necessary repairs more quickly and safely remove sheds on a faster timeline. The rules, first proposed by the Mamdani administration in March, fulfill reforms established by City Council legislation in 2025. DOB will also publish a Buildings Bulletin clarifying that sidewalk sheds on campus properties should only extend as far as necessary to protect public safety, preventing them from unnecessarily taking up space far from buildings. The change will particularly benefit New Yorkers who navigate large “campuses,” including NYCHA properties, medical facilities and schools.
In addition, DOB is proposing new rules that would allow buildings across the city to use six new sidewalk shed designs that are more adaptable and provide New Yorkers with more light, visibility and space than the current standard design.
“New Yorkers have gotten used to sidewalk sheds darkening our streets and taking up precious public space, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are already close to 10 percent fewer sheds up than when we took office. With better designs and stronger enforcement, we are going to keep bringing down the number of sheds, opening up our sidewalks and making them safer, brighter and more welcoming for everyone,” said Mayor Mamdani.
“Sidewalk sheds can have a major impact on how New Yorkers experience of their city. With this suite of changes — from reducing the number of sheds on our streets to improving the sheds that go up when they are needed — we are taking a significant step toward safer and more welcoming public spaces,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning. “Thanks to DOB’s work to craft and enforce these new rules, New Yorkers will be able to enjoy more light and clearer sidewalks in the years to come.”
“For decades, New Yorkers have lived with streets lined with bland-looking sidewalk sheds that stood in place seemingly without end. A high price in exchange for protecting pedestrians from hazardous building façades and construction activity,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “Thanks to the leadership of the Mamdani Administration we are now building a cityscape that New Yorkers deserve by driving down the total number of sheds citywide, implementing a new enforcement strategy to make sure this equipment stays up for only as long as needed and delivering significantly better design options.”
These efforts build on the Mamdani administration’s progress in reducing the impact of sidewalk sheds across New York City. As of August 17, there are 7,427 permitted sidewalk sheds across the city, more than 1,000 fewer sheds than at this time last year and an almost 10 percent reduction from the number of total sheds when Mayor Mamdani took office on January 1.
Sidewalk Shed Oversight and Enforcement
DOB recently adopted a rule, now in effect, establishing new oversight and enforcement requirements for sidewalk sheds following the passage of Local Laws 48 and 51 of 2025.
Starting this month, every sidewalk shed permit renewal must be accompanied by a report explaining what building repair requires the pedestrian protection equipment and detailing the progress made on those repairs since the last renewal. Previously, sidewalk shed permits were renewed annually, with the City automatically issuing renewals. Under the new rules, permits must be renewed every 90 days, and property owners must provide detailed information about the work being done that will allow the shed to be safely removed.
The new rules also establish stronger penalties for property owners who leave sidewalk sheds in place when no active work is occurring or fail to complete façade repairs within a reasonable amount of time. After 180 days, DOB will issue graduated monthly penalties based on the size of the sidewalk shed and how long it has been in place. Penalties can be paused if the property owners demonstrate that they are making meaningful progress on repairs.
DOB is conducting outreach to property owners about the new requirements and expects to begin imposing penalties in early 2027.
New Sidewalk Shed Designs
Earlier today, DOB published proposed rules in the City Record to promote the use of six improved sidewalk shed designs across the five boroughs.
While sidewalk sheds serve an important public safety function, traditional designs can negatively impact public space by limiting light, visibility and pedestrian access. The six new designs would improve the pedestrian experience while continuing to provide necessary overhead protection.
The designs were developed by leading architecture and design firms Arup and Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU). The designs are the intellectual property of the City and can be freely copied, helping streamline adoption across New York.
The public comment period for the proposed rule runs through September 24.
Smaller Sidewalk Sheds on “Campus” Properties
DOB will also publish a Buildings Bulletin establishing new guidance to reduce the size of sidewalk sheds on large “campus” properties, including NYCHA properties, multi-building developments and universities.
Previously, pedestrian protection was required on any walkway within half the height of a building. On large properties with multiple buildings, this could result in a maze of sidewalk sheds covering public walkways, even in areas where the additional coverage provided no meaningful public safety benefit.
The new Bulletin, which will establish official DOB policy, provides guidance to the public that limits required sidewalk shed coverage to a maximum of 40 feet from a building. This change will reduce unnecessary shed coverage while maintaining the pedestrian protections New Yorkers need.
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