By Forum Staff
The City Council recently approved a package of legislation that 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 the five boroughs, 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 the Big Apple is over 500 days old – 334 scaffolding structures have been in place for more than five years.
Introduction 391-A, sponsored by Councilman Keith Powers (D-Manhattan), would require the Department of Buildings to complete a study and recommend new sidewalk shed designs to the council by Sept. 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 Powers, would reduce the duration of sidewalk shed permits for façade repairs from one year to three 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, also sponsored by Powers, would require DOB to review the frequency of the Façade Inspection and Safety Program and recommend changes to the council by Dec. 31, 2025. This bill would also extend the inspection cycle from every five years to a longer interval time between six to 12 years and delay the first required inspection for any new building from five to nine years.
Introduction 660-A, sponsored by Councilman Erik Bottcher (D-Manhattan), 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 Bottcher, would strengthen enforcement of façade repairs by introducing penalties for the following: Failure to submit construction documents to DOB within five months of completion, failure to file necessary permit applications within eight months, and failure to complete repairs within two 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.
Mayor Eric Adams hailed the passage of the bills which bolsters his Get Sheds Down plan.
“These eyesores were crowding our sidewalks, stifling our small businesses, and darkening our city; it was time for something to change,” Hizzoner said.
