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Registrant Project Requirements:
Sidewalk Shed Work & Site Requirements

Licensed Contractors and Registration

Permits for the erection and dismantling of Sidewalk Sheds are issued to Registered General Contractors. Only approved BSA sheds may be filed by an Owner or Contractor.

Chapter 4 of the NYC General Administrative Provisions for Construction Codes (AC), defines the various licensing and registration requirements, and qualifications of individuals employed on any project regulated by the Department of Buildings. AC 28-418 requires General Contractors (GC) to register with the Department. AC 28-401.18 requires licensed Contractors to have a place of business in New York City. AC 28-418 requiresall registrants to include their license number and business information on trucks, business cards and advertisements.

Contractor Registration

Registered General Contractors must also have safety endorsements from DOB for construction, concrete and demolition work if performing such work on buildings that are four stories or more. Based on the scope of a project, additional requirements may be applicable.

Safety Registration

Non-registered contractors may perform limited work that is assigned a tracking number, but must pre-file with the department and provide proof of Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance.

Insurance Tracking

Welders are required to obtain a license from the commissioner, per AC 28-407.

*Note: While the Department issues licenses to Contractors qualified to perform construction work, renovations and alterations of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-family homes and individual apartment units also require a Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs. See OPPN 3 of 2005. Complete the LIC2 form.*

Sidewalk Shed Work Permit

Permit must be posted in a visible place at the work site for the duration of the work.

DOT Permit

After receiving DOB Approval for Sidewalk Shed application, applicants must submit all required documents to the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Permit Management to obtain a sidewalk shed permit if such shed extends into the public right of way. Contact DOT’s Office of Permit Management for more information and permit requirements.

Electrical Permit

Applies to all sidewalk shed applications. Only a licensed Electrician can install the lighting required for a sidewalk shed.

A Registered Contractor can submit a sidewalk shed project application to the Department in lieu of a Registered Design Professional when the application drawings indicate a design in accordance with approved Board of Standards and Appeals Minutes. See Code Notes for more information.

When Sidewalk Shed Permits are Required

  • The sidewalk shed is located below any construction equipment, such as a scaffold, mast climber, or chute.

  • A sidewalk shed shall be installed in conjunction with any new building that exceeds 40 feet in height, if the distance between the building’s exterior wall and the public sidewalk, walkway, or pathway to be protected is less than or equal to half the height of the structure, and such sidewalk shed must be erected immediately after the proposed building’s construction is equal to, or exceeds, the height of the proposed sidewalk shed.

  • A sidewalk shed shall be erected for any vertical or horizontal building enlargement or with any façade construction or façade renovation occurring at a level in excess of 40 feet above grade, if the distance between the building’s exterior wall and the public sidewalk, walkway, or pathway to be protected is less than or equal to half the height of the structure.

  • Sidewalk shed is to be installed when any full or partial exterior demolition of a building is occurring at a level exceeding 25 feet.

Exceptions

  • Sidewalk sheds are not required for the following unless required by the commissioner to protect the public from unique hazards at the site:

  • If sidewalks, walkways or pathways are closed to the public for their full width and length.

  • If the site has private property walkways that are provided with temporary overhead protection and lighting equivalent to that provided by a sidewalk shed as per BC 3307.2.3.

  • Any inspection, including a façade inspection, provided no work occurs during such inspection.

  • During the installation or removal of a sign, if such work occurs under direct and continuing on-site supervision of a licensed sign hanger.

  • Window washing.

  • During any type of rooftop work, but only if a 42 inch high vertical safety net is surrounding the work area or edges of the roof, or if a solid parapet wall is enclosing the perimeter edges of the roof.

  • During other types of work of limited scope and duration subject to the Commissioner’s approval, provided that:

  • When daily work is occurring, the area located immediately below the work zone is temporarily closed to the public by means of barriers, cones, or caution tape, and flag persons are provided to direct pedestrian traffic per BC 3307.6.2, and as allowed by DOT in accordance with section BC 3307.2.1; and

  • After the daily work is complete, the building façade is in a safe condition and fully enclosed, as outlined in BC 3307.6.2, Item #7.

Work Site Safety Requirements for Construction Activity

The Administrative Code of the City of New York §28-301.1 requires Owners to maintain their properties in a safe condition.  Property Owners, Contractors and construction Site Managers must minimize the risk of accidents and fire.

Site Safety Regulations

Additional Requirements for Registrant

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