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New York City Unveils Six New Sidewalk‑Shed Designs to Lighten and Unclog Streets

The Department of Buildings will move to authorize the models through rulemaking and streamlined permits, with first installations expected in 2026.

Overview

  • Three designs by PAU and three by Arup include sloped or transparent roofs, wider column spacing, modular parts, and a cantilevered “Air Shed” that removes ground‑level supports.
  • Officials said the approved plans will be available through the DOB’s Professional Certification process once rulemaking is complete.
  • Recent laws cut shed permit durations from one year to three months and expand enforcement, with tougher measures set to begin in 2026.
  • Cost details have not been released, though the city says the systems use readily available, cost‑conscious materials and some may exceed the price of standard green sheds.
  • Roughly 8,400–9,000 sheds currently cover about 400 miles of sidewalk, and city leaders noted many linger for 500+ days; a mayoral transition to Zohran Mamdani could shape adoption.