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Speaker Adams presents package of legislation on sidewalk shed reforms
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Speaker Adrienne E. Adams introduces a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at reforming the rules governing sidewalk sheds in New York City. The bills address various aspects of sidewalk shed regulations, including enforcement, lighting, design, and permit duration.
- Introduction 661-A strengthens enforcement of facade repairs with new penalties
- Introduction 660-A doubles the required level of lighting under sidewalk sheds and mandates LED lights
- Introduction 394-A requires a study on facade inspection frequency and extends the inspection cycle
- Introduction 393-A reduces sidewalk shed permit duration and creates new penalties for delayed repairs
- Introduction 391-A mandates a study on new sidewalk shed designs and implements various improvements
These reforms aim to address longstanding issues with sidewalk sheds, improving public safety, aesthetics, and efficiency in the city's streetscape.
Adrienne E. Adams
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Finally, we will vote on a package of legislation to reform the rules governing sidewalk sheds.
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For too long, the dull green scaffolding that towers over miles of our city sidewalks have been a fixture in our streetscape.
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These structures are not just eyesores that cover up buildings, they're also a blight that impacts our public safety.
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Today's legislation reforms are way long overdue and I'm proud that under this council we are finally taking action to address these challenges.
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Introduction six sixty one a sponsored by council member Eric Bacher strengthens enforcement of facade repairs by introducing penalties for failure to submit construction documents to the Department of Buildings, file necessary permit applications, and complete repairs.
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Introduction six sixty a also sponsored by council member Bacher would double the required level of lighting under sidewalk sheds from 45 lumens per watt or greater to 90 lumens per watt or greater.
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It would require that lighting under sidewalk sheds be LED lights.
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Introduction three ninety four a sponsored by council member Keith Powers would require DOB to complete a study and review the frequency of the facade inspection and safety program and recommend changes to the council by 12/31/2025.
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This bill would also extend the inspection cycle from every five years to a longer interval time between six to twelve years.
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Introduction three ninety three a also sponsored by council member powers would reduce the duration of sidewalk shed permits for facade repairs from one year to three months unless they're connected to demolition, a building alteration, or new building construction.
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This bill would also create new penalties for property owners who delay necessary repairs for sidewalk sheds occupying the public right of way.
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Finally, introduction three ninety one a sponsored by council member powers would require DOB to complete a study and recommend new sidewalk shed designs by 09/30/2025.
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This bill would also allow more color options for sheds, require corresponding construction fences to match the color of the sidewalk shed, increase lighting beneath sidewalk sheds, and raise the minimum height of sidewalk sheds to 12 feet except in areas where exits, light, or ventilation would be obstructed.
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We thank our staff members Austin Malone, Andrew Bourne, Dirk Spencer, and Elliot Heisler.
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And we also thank former deputy mayor, Mira Joshi for her partnership on this great package of bills.
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Thank you colleagues for your attention.
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I turn it back over to our majority leader.