Click on a category to see its requirements.
Awnings/Umbrellas/Coverings
Lighting
Heating and Cooling
Plantings
Electrical Connections
Graphics and Branding
Awnings, Umbrellas, and Overhead Coverings
- Must be easily removable, wind-resistant, and comprised of fire-resistant grade materials
- Cannot extend beyond the permitted sidewalk cafe, unless approved by NYC DOB.
- Awnings or overhead coverings attached to the building require review and approval by NYC DOB.
- Awnings or overhead coverings on Landmark buildings or buildings located within an historic district also require approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Check if your building is landmarked or in a historic district.
- Minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet for an awning and 7 feet for an overhead covering or umbrella; maximum height of 10 feet.
- Umbrellas and overhead coverings must have a weighted base.
- Vertical elements used to support an umbrella or overhead covering must be of sufficient size and strength, made of durable materials, and free from defects.
- Overhead covering materials may include tensile fabric, retractable fabric, fabric panels, and rigid sheet materials (e.g., polycarbonate panels, panelized sheet metals, etc.)
- No advertising is allowed. Review Graphic and Branding requirements.
Awnings, Umbrellas, Coverings
Lighting
- Must be outdoor rated, lightweight, protected, and properly secured.
- Must be located within the sidewalk cafe and can only illuminate the dining area.
- Cannot exceed 10 feet in height.
- Cannot be attached to any City property, including street trees.
- All electrical work must comply with the NYC Electrical Code. Review Electrical Connections for more information.
Lighting
Heating and Cooling
- Heaters may be installed but must be approved by NYC DOB and FDNY.
- Fans or similar cooling devices are also permitted and must also comply with applicable regulations.
- Heating or cooling devices must be installed within the sidewalk cafe perimeter.
- Review Electrical Connections for information on how to bring power for these elements.
Electric Heating and Cooling
Electrical Connections
- We recommend consulting a licensed professional if you are considering making an electrical connection to your sidewalk cafe.
- All electric power must be supplied from the building.
- Attachments such as junction boxes or conduit to the building must be approved by NYC DOB.
- Electrical connections on landmarked buildings or buildings located within an historic district also require approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Check if your building is landmarked or in a historic district.
- Electric connections must run from the building to the sidewalk cafe. They cannot be attached to or run from any City-owned property, like a street light.
- All connections must comply with the NYC Electric Code and any other applicable rules.
Electrical Connections
Planting
- Plantings are allowed and can be placed around the entire perimeter.
- Limit soil volume to discourage pest or rodent harborage. Select plants suited to the amount of soil provided.
Plantings
Graphics and Branding
- No advertising is allowed.
- The following can be displayed on elements of the setup:
- Name and logo of the restaurant
- Menu or information on services provided by the restaurant
- Name and logo of any sponsors of the restaurants amenities
- Graphics can only occupy 10% of the surface area of the surface on which they are located.
- On umbrellas or overhead coverings, graphics may be physically adhered to the fabric.
- No graphics or signs may be self-illuminated, flashing, or moving.
Graphics and Branding