NYC’s New Sidewalk Shed Rules: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’ve walked the streets of New York City, you’ve seen them: the steel-and-wood sidewalk sheds covering blocks and obscuring light. Designed to protect pedestrians during facade work, these sheds have become a permanent part of the city’s landscape. But that’s about to change.

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has announced major reforms to Local Law 11 (FISP) and sidewalk shed requirements. These changes will impact building owners, contractors, and restoration firms across the city.

What’s Changing

1. Shorter Shed Durations

Sheds must now be removed within 90 days of facade repairs being completed. If more time is needed, a special DOB request must be submitted along with a clear work schedule.

2. Minimum Height Requirement

• Current Code: As per NYC Building Code §3307.6.4.1, sidewalk sheds must provide a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet from the walking surface to the lowest part of the shed.
• Proposed Update: Introduction 391-2024 proposes increasing the minimum height to 12 feet to enhance pedestrian experience and reduce the tunnel-like effect of sheds.

3. Color Standards

• Proposed Update: The same bill suggests allowing sidewalk sheds to be painted in colors that better blend with their surroundings, moving away from the traditional green or blue hues.

4. Lighting Requirements

• Current Code: Sidewalk sheds must be illuminated to ensure pedestrian safety. The lighting should provide a minimum of 1 foot-candle (10.76 lux) at the walking surface.

5. Artwork and Aesthetic Enhancements

• Current Code: According to NYC Building Code §3307.11.5.1, approved artwork can be displayed on sidewalk sheds, provided it is printed on lightweight, solid material and does not extend above or below the shed parapet.

6. Required Alternatives to Sheds

DOB is pushing for safer and more visually acceptable alternatives in many cases, such as:

• Netting systems
• Overhead protection integrated into scaffolding
• Transparent or decorative fencing
• Cantilevered Covers and Lightweight Materials

7. Stricter Penalties for Non-Compliance

DOB will now issue higher fines and perform more inspections for buildings that keep sidewalk sheds up too long or fail to follow new requirements.

Why This Matters for Restoration Firms

For firms specializing in facade work, these changes affect how you plan and execute projects:

• Planning: Projects must now be more tightly scheduled and coordinated to avoid penalties.
• Design: Shed alternatives may need to match the building’s design, especially for landmark properties.
• Execution: Delays can now result in significant financial consequences and DOB

scrutiny.

At M+S, we’re updating our internal processes to help clients comply with these rules while maintaining the highest quality of restoration work.

How We’re Helping

We’re creating clear visuals and diagrams—like the GIF shown above—to help clients and teams understand the new rules. These include filing checklists, visual safety plans, and DOB-compliant diagrams. The goal is to stay ahead of the changes and avoid violations or delays.

If you’re a facade contractor, engineer, or building owner in NYC, now is the time to update your project strategies and make sure your team is trained on the new requirements.

Need Help Navigating the Rule Changes?

Reach out to M+S by emailing info@maytasebastian.com to request a visual breakdown or schedule a consultation. We’ll continue sharing resources to help you adapt as the changes take effect citywide..