Overview
- The Department of Buildings will cap how far sheds extend to 40 feet from a facade, replacing the half-height coverage rule, with the change scheduled to take effect in August.
- Owners who keep sheds up longer than 180 days would face penalties and must file public status reports every 90 days, with enforcement expected this summer after rulemaking.
- Facade inspection cycles will shift as DOB moves the standard from five to six years and offers eligible lower-risk buildings a 12-year full inspection track with visual check-ins every three years.
- Crews began dismantling longstanding scaffolding at NYCHA’s Highbridge Gardens as funded repairs move ahead, part of roughly $650 million in work citywide with about $400 million completed and sheds removed from more than 200 buildings.
- City data show nearly 8,000 active sidewalk sheds covering about 380 miles, and officials say the reforms aim to shorten how long sheds linger without compromising safety.