Blocked Sidewalk or Street

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Outdoor Dining Complaint to report a bar or restaurant outdoor seating area blocking a street or sidewalk
Street Vendor Complaint to report vendors or peddlers blocking a street or sidewalk

You can make a complaint about blocked streets and sidewalks.

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

Objects can include:

Trash or recycling cans
Basketball hoops
Barbecue grills
Other personal property

Certain streets are designated "zero sidewalk display" streets and generally may not have any items on the sidewalk.

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

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.

Report an ATM blocking the sidewalk.

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.

Trash 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
Merchandise

Sidewalk areas must also be free of objects that could impede pedestrian traffic.

Examples:

Coin-operated rides
Merchandise
Bins
Racks
Sandwich or A-frame signs
Large sidewalks displays

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 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.

Sandwich or A-Frame Signs

Sandwich and A-frame signs must be positioned within the 3-foot area adjoining the building.

Zero Sidewalk Display Streets

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

You can find out if your business can put items on a sidewalk.

Call 311 for assistance by phone.

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.

Report construction work blocking the sidewalk.

Report construction work blocking the street.

Report a construction dumpster blocking the street.

Report a construction dumpster blocking a sidewalk, crosswalk, or bus stop.

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 sidewalk stands in New York City that are blocking the sidewalk.

These stands are also known as stoop line stands. Businesses must have a Stoop Line Stand License to sell fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers from these stands, which must be within specific boundaries to keep public sidewalks clear.

Report a produce or flower stand blocking the sidewalk.

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.

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

Report personal property blocking the sidewalk or street.

What Happens Next

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

You can report an active or abandoned sidewalk cafe in New York City that is blocking the sidewalk. Cafes can be enclosed or unenclosed.

Report an active sidewalk cafe blocking the sidewalk.

Report an abandoned sidewalk cafe blocking the sidewalk.

What Happens Next

For active sidewalk cafes blocking a sidewalk, 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.

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.

Blocked Sidewalk or Street

ATM

Advertising Sign, Merchandise, or Trash

Construction

Sidewalk Stand

Personal Property

Sidewalk Cafe

High Grass or Weeds

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