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Design Professional Requirements: Sidewalk Shed

Applicability of Code and Zoning

A sidewalk shed project must be filed for review under the current Code, the 2014 NYC Construction Codes, as referenced in the Administrative Code Section AC 28-101.4.

Zoning Regulations

Zoning regulations do not apply to sidewalk shed projects.

NOTE: While the following is a list of Code and other regulations that may be relevant in the project’s design, it does not cover ALL applicable regulations.

Codes

All projects must comply with the NYC General Administrative Provisions and Building Code. For sidewalk shed projects, the NYC Building Code, and other applicable codes and laws may be involved. Typical Code regulations that must be considered for a sidewalk shed project include:

Project Element	Applicable Code and Regulations
Project Element	2014 Construction Codes
Administrative	AC 28-101.4
Drawings, Design Notes and Details	AC 28-104.7
Height	BC 3307.6.4.7
Lighting	BC 3307.6.4.8 and LL 51-2010
Avoid Interference	BC 3307.6.4.9
Founding	BC 3307.6.4.10
Color	BC 3307.6.4.11
Storage or Placement of Items	BC 3307.6.5.4
Action Plan	BC 1618.3
Report Accompanying Permit Renewal for a Sidewalk Shed	BC 105.8.3
Sidewalk Shed Parapet Panel	BC 3301.9.2
Requirements for Sidewalks, Temporary Walkways, and Pathways	BC 3307.2.6
Design Loads	BC 3307.6.4.2
Construction Materials	BC 3307.6.4.3
Vertical Members and Beams	BC 3307.6.4.4
Deck	BC 3307.6.4.5
Parapet	BC 3307.6.4.6
Warning Signs, Personnel and Barriers	BC 3307.4
Cleaning	BC 3307.6.5.5
Sharp Edges	BC 3307.6.5.6
Required Inspections	BC 3307.6.5.7 to BC 3307.6.5.10 and BC 1618
Notification of removal	BC 3307.6.5.11

Other Rules and Regulations

EC 590.8: Electrical Code
BSA: # 351-74-SM: Meeting minutes
BB 2015-029: Action plan for extreme weather
BB 2011-023: Urban Sheds
TPPN 9/99: Minimum requirements for filing Sidewalk Shed applications

Other Agency Requirements

Sidewalk shed projects must also comply with the rules, regulations, laws and codes of other city agencies, such as the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Fire Department (FDNY), NYC Environmental Protection (DEP), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), and others.

DOT approval is required if the sidewalk shed extends onto a public right of way or if a temporary encroachment occurs into the street.
DEP and FDNY regulate location of fire hydrants and fire department connections.
DEP regulates catch basins and associated street infrastructure
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) regulates tree and sidewalk plantings (Refer to DPR Tree Planting Standards)
LPC regulates landmark buildings and districts
Utility companies regulate utility poles
MTA regulates sidewalk grates, subway entrances, bus stops and associated signage
The United States Postal Service regulates mailbox locations

Guidelines for Submission of Sidewalk Shed Project Plans

Prior to preparing the design drawings and construction documents, the Registered Design Professional (RDP) or registered contractor must perform a pre-design review that analyzes related elements of the building and other components affected by the proposed scope of work, to verify a code compliant design of the proposed project scope. The information provided on the drawings must clearly describe all of the work required for the code compliant execution and completion of the project per AC 28-104, BC 107.2 and BC 1603.

Complete Submission of Sidewalk Shed Drawing/Construction Documents

Construction drawings should represent complete work, including plot plan, details, notes and multiple disciplines such as architectural, electrical and structural. There must be coordination between the disciplines for the proposed scope of work to ensure code compliance*; reference AC 28-104.7, BC 107.2 and Plan Examination Guidelines – Minimum Requirement for Review if Design Drawings, Revised 4-30-2014. In addition, construction documents must also include all relevant submissions, administrative and technical, required to substantiate project’s scope, and/or compliance with other Agency requirements.

A complete submission of drawings should include:

Construction Documents. Drawings necessary to convey essential information. The applicable Construction Codes and notes should be stated on the drawings as required to demonstrate Code compliance. Where essential, clarify overall layouts and details – a scale should be included on the drawings; a graphic scale is recommended.

Lot (Plot) Diagram. May include location, size and height of the building; location and size (width, height and length) of the proposed sidewalk shed; width of the sidewalk; distance between building and street line.

Sidewalk Shed Elevations and Section. To show construction material, shed dimensions (width, length, and height), passageway ceiling height minimum of 8 feet to the underside of the lighting, member size and spacing, and signage on the shed and parapet panel.

Sidewalk Shed Details. Type of the sidewalk shed (light or heavy duty), details of the proposed sidewalk shed showing all construction elements with proper dimensions, design load and structural analysis; materials including the decking; parapet and decking details; and sidewalk shed lighting showing location, distance between lighting fixtures and illumination levels.

Additional Information. Might include BSA meeting minutes approval if submitted by registered contractor, connection between sidewalk shed and scaffold as required, standard notes verifying code compliance, and statement / list of required registered contractor inspections with frequency.

* Refer to Construction Project Guidelines for other construction equipment related to the sidewalk shed project; for example, Scaffolds or Construction Chutes Project Guidelines.*

Submission of Construction Documents

Drawings. The sidewalk shed project drawings should reflect clear scope of work. Examples are as follows:

EQ-100.00	Plot/lot diagram shows the project location, size and height of the building; location and size of the proposed sidewalk shed; width of the sidewalk; distance between building and street line
EQ-101.00	Side walk shed plans, elevations and sections to show construction material, shed dimensions (width, length, and height), passageway ceiling height, member size and spacing; signage on the shed and parapet panel
EQ-102.00	Might include BSA approval meeting minutes, connection between sidewalk shed and scaffold, general notes and list of required inspections

Drawing Legend to include: Symbols, abbreviations, notes and definition, list all applicable Building Code section numbers and list of all construction materials to be used with estimated quantities.

Recommended Drawing Designators:
EQ: Construction Equipment: Mandatory designation for drawings related to temporary construction equipment such as sidewalk sheds, fences, and scaffolds

Other Required Documents. Based on the location of the sidewalk shed, size and the associated structure’s project scope of work, the following submissions may have to accompany the drawings at intake:
- DPR Letter (to request street tree removal and/or trimming, and proper placement to protect street trees)
- MTA Approval (if located in close proximity to bus stops, subway entrances, subway tracks)
- New York State (NYS) DOT Approval, if located on sidewalk and building under jurisdiction of NYS

Post Approval Amendments. Any changes to the approved scope of work that are substantive must be submitted as Post Approval Amendments. Approval for an amendment must be obtained before the work is completed. Changes that are not substantive do not require a PAA
- Enlarging or reducing the length of the sidewalk shed
- Extensions into the street roadway
- Changes to sidewalk shed height

Substantive changes that meet the following criteria should be submitted for review to amend the approved plans:

For a development project with multiple buildings, changes to the number of lots listed under the Sidewalk Shed Plan can be recorded as an Administrative Modification.

Special and Progress Inspections

There are no required DOB inspections solely for the use of construction equipment. However, there may be required DOB inspections for associated projects that utilize construction equipment such as demolition or new construction. See other Guidelines for these associated projects.