UPDATE: NYC DOB Implements Changes to Sidewalk Shed Rules

As we discussed in in a previous post here, the New York City Council passed ordinances last year with the intention of reducing the amount of sidewalk sheds that cover the City, particularly Manhattan.

This month, the Department of Buildings (“DOB”) issued a Service Notice explaining some of the changes in some of the bills passed by New York City Council last spring. The focus of last year’s bills was primarily on changing the requirements of Façade Inspection and Safety Program (also known and referred to as Local Law 11) and tightening shed renewal requirements.

Inspection Periods: Understanding that Local Law 11 compliance drives much of the shed erection across the city, the DOB, at the Council’s direction, issued a report in December recommending an extension from five years to six years to the timeline for periodic inspections of building exteriors. While the actual duration requirement us yet to be finally resolved by the DOB, the Council has required that the range be between six and twelve years for periodic inspections – up from five now – with the first inspection cycle for a new building being eight years – also up from five – from the date of erection of the exterior wall or appurtenance.

Permit Duration Reduction: Effective February 2, 2026, all new permits and renewals are capped at 90 days, and all renewals will be subject a $130 base renewal fee. Beginning with the second renewal, no permit for a shed erected for façade or building repairs may be issued without the payment of a penalty to the DOB. As the Service Notice makes clear, the shorter permit durations will not apply where the shed is to be erected in connection with a new building, enlargement, or demolition work for which a permit has been issued, so this will not affect ongoing construction projects across the City.