We’re tackling the issue of NYC’s sidewalk maintenance, use and liability, early this year, before any unintended skating events occur on any of the City’s 12,750 miles of sidewalks.

The following information pertains to the sidewalk rules and regulations for the 5 boroughs of New York City.

Sidewalk Maintenance

The sidewalk in front of any building or lot must be maintained and repaired by the property owner. Any defects must be promptly repaired. The owner of all property with four or more families is responsible for any injury caused by the owner’s failure to maintain the sidewalk in a reasonably safe condition. If the repair covers more than 25 square feet of the sidewalk, the owner or contractor must obtain a Sidewalk Replacement Permit from the Department of Transportation.

Sidewalk Use

All businesses intending to use a portion of the sidewalk for daily operation, or who wish to attach to or place upon the sidewalk any items such as canopies, bike racks, benches, planters, or who wish to use a basement vault, must obtain a renewable permit or a revocable consent from the Department of Transportation. The placement of any item on the sidewalk must not interfere with the use of the sidewalk by pedestrians. A minimum of 8 feet or half the sidewalk, whichever is greater, must be kept clear between the item and any obstacle on the curbside, such as hydrants and traffic control devices. No business may prevent parking or paint the curb, sidewalk, or roadway to advertise the business.

Sidewalk Obstruction

Businesses are responsible for keeping the adjacent section of sidewalk free from all obstructions such as refuse, refuse containers, and A-frame signs to allow the free flow of pedestrian traffic. It is illegal for anyone to place or leave any box, barrel, or other moveable property (regardless of ownership) upon any public street or public place. This law applies to construction or demolition containers, which may only be placed on the street with a permit from the Department of Transportation. In addition, restaurants may not place obstructions such as stanchions or cones in the street to prevent parking or to provide ingress/egress for customers.

Snow and Ice Removal

Snow and/or ice must be removed from the sidewalk within four hours after the snow has stopped falling, or by 11 AM if snow has stopped falling after 9 PM the previous evening. If the snow or ice becomes so frozen that it cannot be removed, the sidewalk may be strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust or similar suitable material within the same time limits. The sidewalk must be thoroughly cleared as soon as weather permits.

BNI Operatives: Street smart; web savvy.

As always, stay safe.

Filed under: nycrr, sidewalk, sidewalk maintainence, slip and fall, trip and fall