Hwyrules
Hwyrules
Department of Transportation
HIGHWAY RULES
Title 34
Chapter 2
Rules of the City of New York
August 7, 2016
Title 34
Department of Transportation 8/7/16
Chapter 2
Highway Rules
CONTENTS
§ 2-01 Definitions
§ 2-02 Permits
(a) Initial permit application
(b) General conditions for all permits
(c) Display of permits and signs at worksite
(d) Corrective action request
(e) Orders
(f) Fees
(g) Notice of street operations
(h) Work site safety
(i) Waivers
(j) Suspension of application review
(k) Permit revocation and refusal to renew permit
(l) Refusal to issue permit
(m) Embargo periods
(n) Voiding and reissuing of permits
§ 2-04 Canopies
(a) Permit required
(b) Permit fees
(c) Conditions
(d) Maintenance
(e) Permit expiration, renewal and transferability
(f) Placement of canopies
(g) Design criteria
(h) Application
(i) Removal of unauthorized canopies
(j) Miscellaneous
i
(i) Crossing a sidewalk
(j) Placement of cranes and derricks on street
(k) Format to be used for irrevocable stand-by letter of credit
(l) Crane restricted area
(m) Pedestrian Traffic Managers
§ 2-07 Underground street access covers, transformer vault covers, and gratings
(a) General conditions
(b) Maintenance requirements
(c) Work in critical roadways
§ 2-08 Newsracks
(a) Definitions
(b) Placement
(c) Unlawful locations
(d) Size, shape and appearance
(e) Maintenance
(f) Indemnification and insurance
(g) Violations and removal
(h) Notices
ii
(e) Excavation and restoration requirements
(f) Excavations and street openings in protected streets
(g) Emergency street openings and excavations
§ 2-13 Vaults
(a) Vault defined
(b) Exceptions
(c) License required
(d) Permit required
(e) Applications
(f) Adjustments to license fee
(g) Limitations
(h) Curb
(i) Arched or covered vault
(j) Hoistway openings
(k) Boiler room exit
(l) Sidewalks over vaults
(m) Doors and gratings
(n) Defective covers
(o) Abandoned vaults
(p) Historic districts
§ 2-14 Miscellaneous
(a) Public pay telephones
(b) Banners
(c) Bandstands and temporary platforms
(d) Helicopter lifts
(e) Temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other temporary lighting
(f) Commercial refuse containers
(g) Storage boxes
(h) No smoking in pedestrian plazas
(i) Flagpole sockets
§ 2-17 Adjudications
§ 2-18 Newsstands
iii
(d) Exceptions
(e) Inspection and determination
(f) Posting
(g) Filing of bicycle access plan and subsequent amendments with the Department
iv
(b) Definitions
(c) General Requirements
(d) Permits
(e) Levels of service
(f) Work areas
(g) Sponsors and maintenance providers
(h) Volunteers
(i) Changing adopted segments
(j) Reserving segments
(k) Sharing segments
(l) Adopt-a-Greenway Signs
(m) Field inspections of adopted segments
(n) Voiding and revoking permits
§ 2-23 Microtrenching
(a) Incorporation
(b) Microtrenching
v
Section 2-01
DEFINITIONS
Administrative Code. The term "Administrative Code" means the Administrative Code of the City
of New York.
Block Segment. The term "Block Segment" means the linear stretch of the street between the
curblines of the cross streets that intersect such block.
City Electrical Equipment. The term "city electrical equipment" means city property to which
electrical connections can be made, including but not limited to, electrical devices, wood poles and
metal street light/lampposts.
City Property. The term "city property" means, for the purpose of this section, real property and
physical structures owned by the City of New York and subject to Department of Transportation
jurisdiction, including but not limited to, roadways, sidewalks, street furniture and electrical
equipment.
Commissioner. The term "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of
Transportation or his or her authorized designee.
Corrective action request or CAR. The term "corrective action request" or "CAR" means a formal
notice by the Department that work performed and/or a condition created or maintained on a street
is in violation of these rules or other applicable law with a request that action be taken by the
person to whom such notice is addressed to correct the work and/or the condition so described.
Department. The term "Department" means the Department of Transportation.
Designated field headquarters. The term "designated field headquarters" means an office
maintained at the work site, unless some other location is approved by the Department.
Embargo period. The term "embargo period" means a period of time designated by the OCMC
during which there shall be a temporary suspension of work (except for emergency work) due to a
holiday, special event or emergency.
Emergency. The term "emergency" means a situation endangering the public safety or causing or
likely to cause the imminent interruption of service required by law, contract or franchise to be
continuously maintained.
Emergency work. The term "emergency work" means work necessary to correct a situation
endangering the public safety or causing or likely to cause the imminent interruption of service
required by law, contract or franchise to be continuously maintained, for example, by a government
agency, a public utility, a franchisee, etc. Such term shall not include work on new construction,
regrades of existing hardware, continuation of an existing permit that has expired or will expire
imminently or any other work which is not necessary to correct a condition likely to cause such
imminent interruption.
Intersection. The term "Intersection" means the area contained within the grid created by
extending the curblines of two or more streets at the point at which they cross each other.
Non-city Electrical Equipment. The term "non-city electrical equipment" means property, not
owned by the City, which is attached to City Property and to which electrical connections can be
made, including but not limited to, electrical devices and wood poles.
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Section 2-01
OCMC. The term "OCMC" means the Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination, a unit
within the Department which is responsible for providing traffic stipulations and coordinating
construction activity on City streets.
Overhead shunt. The term "overhead shunt" means a shunt that runs from the top of a street light
or traffic control device pole to another pole and/or to a property.
Pedestrian Traffic Manager. The term "pedestrian traffic manager" means a person authorized by
the Commissioner to direct bicycle and pedestrian traffic pursuant to these rules.
Permittee. An individual, corporation, business or other entity who secures permits for all work
regulated by the Department, pursuant to these rules.
Person. The term "person" means a natural person, partnership, corporation, limited liability
company, association or any other entity.
Protected street. The term "protected street" means a street which has been resurfaced or
reconstructed within five years prior to the date of application for a permit.
Public Utilities. The term "public utilities" means public utility companies as defined in the Public
Service Law.
Roadway. The term "roadway" means that portion of a street designed, improved or ordinarily
used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the shoulder and slope.
Shunt. The term "shunt" means a temporary electrical cable or conduit that has been installed
between two points to divert current from one path, which is no longer in use, to another path.
Sidewalk. The term "sidewalk" means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral
lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, intended for the use of pedestrians.
Standard Specifications. The term “Standard Specifications” means the most recent version of
the standard highway specifications available from the Department and the New York City
Department of Design and Construction indicating required construction materials.
Standard Detail Drawings. The term “Standard Detail Drawings” means the most recent version
of the standard details of construction, available from the Department and the New York City
Department of Design and Construction, which contains drawings showing required dimensions of
items to be constructed.
Street. The term "street" means a public street, avenue, road, alley, lane, highway, boulevard,
concourse, parkway, driveway, culvert, sidewalk, crosswalk, boardwalk, viaduct, square or place,
except marginal streets.
Street shunt. The term "street shunt" means a shunt that runs from a street light/lamppost or utility
access cover along a roadway and/or sidewalk to a property or other street light/lamppost.
Wrap-around shunt. The term "wrap-around shunt" means a shunt used on a street light/lamppost
or traffic signal pole that is attached to the top of the pole, is looped or wrapped around the outside
of the pole and enters the base of the pole for electrical connection.
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Section 2-01.1
All permittees must comply with the most recent version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), published by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), and the New York State Supplement.
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Section 2-02
PERMITS
(a) Initial permit application. The following information shall be provided to the Department upon
initial application for a permit under these rules and shall be updated as necessary and refiled
annually:
(1) If the applicant is a corporation, limited liability corporation, limited liability
partnership or other entity registered with the New York Secretary of State:
(i) address and telephone number of applicant;
(ii) name and telephone number of a contact person in the event of an emergency;
(iii) affidavit acknowledging incorporation and a certified copy of the certificate of
incorporation, and proof of registration with the New York State Department of State, Office
of the Secretary of State. When completing the permit application, applicants must supply
the Department with the identical identifying information, including but not limited to the
company name, as they have provided to the New York State Department of State, Office
of the Secretary of State;
(iv) names of corporate officers;
(v) names of two agents/employees designated to receive summonses or notices of
violation or other notices required by these rules or other provisions of law;
(vi) New York City plumber's license certificate or other license numbers, if applicable;
(vii) name(s) of representative(s) authorized to obtain permit(s) on behalf of the applicant;
(viii) employer identification number;
(ix) e-mail address, if any.
(2) All other applicants:
(i) address and telephone number of applicant;
(ii) name(s) of representative(s) authorized to obtain permit(s) on behalf of the applicant;
(iii) New York City plumber's license certificate or other license numbers, if applicable;
(iv) employer identification number;
(v) e-mail address, if any;
(vi) names of two agents/employees designated to receive summonses or notices of
violation or other notices required by these rules or other provisions of law.
(3) Insurance and indemnification requirements (for all applicants):
(i) Each applicant shall, before applying for a permit, obtain a Commercial General Liability
(CGL) insurance policy or policies satisfying the requirements of this subparagraph. All CGL
insurance policies, whether primary, excess or umbrella, shall:
(A) be issued by a company or companies that may lawfully issue the required
policy and has an A.M. Best rating of at least A-VII or a Standard and Poor's rating
of at least AA.
(B) provide coverage to protect the City of New York ("City") and the applicant from
claims for property damage and/or bodily injury, including death, which may arise
from any operations performed by or on behalf of the applicant for which the
Department has issued it a permit;
(C) provide coverage at least as broad as that provided by the most recent edition of
ISO Form CG 0001;
(D) provide coverage for completed operations;
(E) provide coverage of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence,
except that with respect to applications for permits to place a crane on a street, such
minimum amount shall be no less than $3,000,000 combined single limit per
occurrence;
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Section 2-02
(F) provide that the City and its officials and employees are Additional Insureds with
coverage at least as broad as set forth in ISO Form CG 2026 (11/85 ed.);
(G) provide that the limit of coverage applicable to the Named Insured is equally
applicable to the City as Additional Insured.
(H) This policy shall not be cancelled or terminated, or modified or changed in a way
that affects the City by the issuing insurance company unless thirty (30) days prior
written notice is sent to the Named Insured and the Commissioner of the New York
City Department of Transportation, except that notice of termination for non-
payment may be made on only ten (10) days written notice.
(I) If the permit applicant has applied for more than one thousand permits in the
previous calendar year, the insurance policy shall contain each of the following
endorsements;
(1) If and insofar as knowledge of an "occurrence", "claim", or "suit" is
relevant to the City as Additional Insured under this policy, such knowledge
by an agent, servant, official or employee of the City of New York will not be
considered knowledge on the part of the City of the "occurrence", "claim", or
"suit" unless notice thereof is received by the: Insurance Claims Specialist,
Affirmative Litigation Division, New York City Law Department; and
(2) Any notice, demand or other writing by or on behalf of the Named Insured
to the insurance company shall also be deemed to be a notice, demand or
other writing on behalf of the City as Additional Insured. Any response by the
Insurance Company to such notice, demand or other writing shall be
addressed to the Named Insured and to the City at the following address:
Insurance Claims Specialist, Affirmative Litigation Division, New York City
Law Department, 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10007.
(ii) Each applicant shall, before applying for a permit, obtain Workers Compensation
insurance in accordance with the laws of the State of New York from a licensed insurance
company.
(iii) Each applicant shall, before applying for a permit, file with the Department proof that
the applicant has insurance in place that provides coverage set forth in this subdivision with
respect to the permit period. If the applicant chooses to meet this proof with an insurance
certificate, the insurance certificate shall set forth the coverage provided, state that
completed operations coverage is included and that the City is an additional insured, and
shall be accompanied by a sworn statement in a form prescribed by the Department from
the insurer or from a licensed insurance broker certifying that the insurance certificate is
accurate in all material respects, and that the described insurance is in effect.
(iv) An applicant may obtain insurance policies applicable to more than one permit
application, in which case the proof pursuant to subparagraph (iii) shall state that the
policies cover all such permits in specified boroughs, or throughout the City.
(v) The applicant shall provide a copy of any required policy within thirty days of a request
for such policy by the Department or the New York City Law Department.
(vi) In its sole discretion, the Department may allow applicants that frequently seek permits
to self-insure, provided that the applicant:
(A) presents proof of excess or umbrella CGL coverage applicable to its operations
under such permits;
(B) certifies that it has a self-insurance program in place that satisfies the
requirements contained in subparagraph (i) and will continue it for the life of the
permit and the Guarantee Period, as defined in subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (16)
of subdivision (e) of §2-11 of these rules;
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Section 2-02
(C) agrees to provide the same defense of any suit against the City that alleges
facts that bring the suit within the scope of the coverage required in subparagraph (i)
as an insurer would be obligated to provide under the laws of New York;
(D) submits a statement, signed by a person authorized to bind the applicant and
acknowledged by a notary public, in which the applicant agrees to assume full
liability for satisfying all obligations set forth in this subparagraph (vi), and
(E) provides the Department with the name and address of the office or official of its
self-insurance program who is responsible for satisfying the self-insurance
obligations.
(vii) The permittee shall maintain insurance throughout the Guarantee Period, as defined in
subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (16) of subdivision (e) of §2-11 of these rules, satisfying the
requirements in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph and providing coverage to protect the
City, the Department and the applicant from all claims for property damage and/or bodily
injury, including death, which may arise from any defects discovered during such
Guarantee Period.
(viii) The permittee shall notify in writing the CGL insurance carrier, and, where applicable,
the worker's compensation and/or other insurance carrier, of any loss, damage, injury, or
accident, and any claim or suit arising from any operations performed by or on behalf of the
permittee for which the Department has issued it a permit, immediately, but not later than
20 days after such event. The permittee's notice to the CGL insurance carrier must
expressly specify that "this notice is being given on behalf of the City of New York as
Additional Insured as well as the Named Insured." The permittee's notice to the insurance
carrier shall contain the following information: the name of the permittee, the number of the
permittee, the date of the occurrence, the location (street address and borough) of the
occurrence, and the identity of the persons or things injured, damaged or lost.
(ix) The permittee shall indemnify, defend and hold the City and its officials and employees
harmless against any and all claims, liens, demands, judgments, penalties, fines, liabilities,
settlements, damages, costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature (including, without
limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements), known or unknown, contingent or otherwise,
allegedly arising out of or in any way related to the operations of the permittee and/or its
failure to comply with any of the requirements set forth herein or law. Insofar as the facts
and law relating to any claim would preclude the City and its officials and employees from
being completely indemnified by the permittee, the City and its officials and employees shall
be partially indemnified by the permittee to the fullest extent provided by law.
(x) A failure by the City of New York or the Department to enforce any of the foregoing
requirements shall not constitute a waiver of such requirement or any other requirement.
(4) Permit bonds.
(i) A permit bond shall be submitted by all permittees to the permit office at the time of
permit issuance to cover all costs and expenses that may be incurred by the City as a result
of the activity for which the permit is issued or for the purpose of otherwise safeguarding the
interests of the City. The permit bond shall be in the form prescribed by the Department.
Such permit bonds described above shall cover all permitted activities described herein.
(ii) For a permit bond submitted for the purpose of performing street openings and
excavations pursuant to §2-11 of these rules, such permit bond shall be submitted in the
amount of $10,000.00 for a single location within the City of New York per calendar year,
$50,000.00 for two to fifty locations within the City of New York per calendar year, and
$100,000.00 for fifty-one to one hundred locations within the City of New York per calendar
year. Permittees who are issued permits for more than one hundred locations per calendar
year shall submit a permit bond in the amount of $250,000.00.
(iii) Bonds shall be valid through the permit's guarantee period as set forth in these rules.
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Section 2-02
(iv) The issuer of the bond shall give the Department at least 30 days written notice prior to
expiration or cancellation of such bond.
(v) A receipt demonstrating full payment of the bond shall be filed with the Department.
(vi) A separate bond need not be filed for each location, provided such coverage is in force
for all operations in the entire borough, City or state.
(vii) A notice of continuation of certificate shall be received every calendar year for the
continuation of an existing bond.
(viii) For permits with the exception of those set forth in subparagraph (ii) above and
sidewalk construction permits issued pursuant to §2-09 of these rules, a permit bond shall
be submitted in the amount of $5,000 for a single location within the City of New York per
calendar year or in the amount of $25,000 for multiple locations within the City of New York
per calendar year. In the event that a permittee will also secure street opening and
excavation permits within the City of New York during the same calendar year, the
permittee's compliance with subparagraph (ii) above shall be sufficient to demonstrate
compliance with this section.
(5) Deposits.
(i) A deposit of $5,000.00, in the form of money order or certified check, shall be required
from permittees when outstanding balances for permit fees, backcharge fees, corrective
action requests (CARs) or other charges exceed $3,000.00 for a period longer than forty-
five (45) calendar days.
(ii) Such permittees shall maintain a deposit balance of $5,000.00 at all times until the
deposit is refunded pursuant to subparagraph (iv), below. If the balance of such cash
deposit falls below $5,000.00, all review of permit applications and permit issuance may
cease, except in cases of emergency work.
(iii) Any amounts owed by permittees for permit fees, CAR fees, backcharge fees or other
charges payable pursuant to law for a period longer than forty-five (45) calendar days shall
be deducted from the deposit after notice to the permittee.
(iv) Deposits shall be refunded after one year (365 consecutive calendar days) of full
compliance with all applicable laws, rules and specifications.
(b) General conditions for all permits.
(1) Permit applications for the following work shall be reviewed by OCMC prior to the issuance
of permits:
(i) work to be performed for sewer and water system construction;
(ii) work to be performed in Manhattan;
(iii) work required on primary and secondary arteries;
(iv) permits to close streets;
(v) any other activity deemed necessary by the Commissioner.
(2) Permits for emergency work. Permits for emergency work shall be issued in accordance
with §2-11 of these rules.
(3) Before issuing a permit the Department may demand that permittee show proof of required
approvals from other governmental entities.
(4) Street closings lasting more than 180 days. Permits that will result in a publicly mapped
street being fully closed for more than 180 consecutive calendar days shall be issued in
accordance with all the requirements of §2-16 of these rules.
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Section 2-02
Commissioner to enforce these rules. Such permits cannot be posted on construction fences,
sidewalk sheds, construction containers or any other construction equipment.
(2) Signage along series of excavations or street openings.
(i) Permittees must post signs at 100 foot intervals along a series of excavations or
continuous cut, indicating the following:
(A) the name of the permittee conducting the work;
(B) the name of the entity for whom the work is being conducted;
(C) the name(s) of the subcontractor(s);
(D) the permittee's telephone number for complaints;
(E) the contractor's telephone number, if not the permittee;
(F) the permit number;
(G) the purpose of the excavation or street opening; and
(H) the start and scheduled completion dates of the work.
(ii) Such signs must be conspicuously displayed and face the nearest curb line. Such signs
must be easily visible and readable by pedestrians, and must conform to the Department's
requirements.
(3) Construction Project Informational Signs. Permittees must post Construction Project
Informational Signs for any project with a projected completion time of three months or more, or
as otherwise directed by the Commissioner.
(i) At least on Construction Project Informational Sign must be posted on each block
segment where the project is located, and must be easily visible and readable by pedestrians,
unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner. The sign(s) must be kept in good condition,
and must conform with the Construction Project Information Sign requirements available at the
Department’s Permit Offices and on the Department’s website.
(ii) Such signs must contain the following information:
(A) the names of the entities responsible for the project, including but not limited to the
contractor, developer, and property owner;
(B) the telephone number, email address, and website for such entities responsible for
the project;
(C) the name of the project and the project number (if any);
(D) the address of the project;
(E) the nature of the project;
(F) a brief description of the project; and
(G) the start and scheduled completion dates of the project.
(iii) Construction Project Informational Signs are not required for any construction or
demolition project requiring a New York City Department of Buildings permit and whose site is
enclosed with a fence or contains a sidewalk shed. Such signs must comply with the
applicable requirements of the New York City Building Code and the rules of the New York City
Department of Buildings.
(d) Corrective action request (CAR).
(1) A CAR may be served either personally, by mail and/or by e-mail on the person responsible
for the work and/or the condition which requires correction at his or her last known address, e-
mail address or at the address or e-mail address for such person contained in the records of
the Department. Where a CAR is served for a violation of §19-147 of the Administrative Code,
in the case of a utility company, the CAR may be given orally or in writing to a person or at a
place designated by the utility and the utility shall respond within twenty-four (24) hours.
(2) Any corrective action required by the CAR shall be performed within thirty (30) days of the
issuance of the CAR unless such issuance is protested as provided herein.
(3) Within fourteen (14) days after the date of mailing of the CAR, unless a different time is
specified on the CAR or in these rules, the respondent may protest the issuance of the CAR in
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Section 2-02
the manner directed on the CAR. If a protest is timely submitted and granted by the
Department, the CAR fee will be waived.
(4) Protests shall be reviewed by the Department and a final determination regarding the
protest shall be made within a reasonable period of time.
(5) If a protest is denied, any corrective action required by the CAR shall be performed within
thirty (30) days after the date of such denial.
(6) In the event that the original permit has expired before the corrective action is undertaken
and an additional excavation is necessary, a new permit shall be obtained in order to complete
the required work. The new permit shall not affect the guarantee period, which will relate back
to the original permit. If a permittee is performing restoration work that does not entail an
additional excavation or re-grading of hardware, a new permit shall not be required by the
Department.
(7) Where a CAR relates to a violation of §19-147 of the Administrative Code and no corrective
action is taken within the applicable time or where an imminent danger to life or safety exists,
the Department may perform the work required by a CAR or the work necessary to avert the
danger and charge the cost to the person responsible for restoring, replacing or maintaining the
pavement, sidewalk, curb, gutter or street hardware in accordance with such section.
(8) Notwithstanding the above, where a condition exists that creates an imminent danger to
pedestrians or vehicles, the Department may issue a priority CAR, which shall require
corrective action to be taken within three (3) hours of issuance of the CAR by telephone call.
The Department may also issue a priority CAR via email requiring corrective action to be taken
within three (3) hours of issuance; however, should a priority CAR be issued via email, a follow-
up telephone call must also be placed to the permittee.
(9) In the event that a CAR is issued within the guarantee period, the corrective action shall still
be taken even after the expiration of the guarantee period.
(e) Orders.
(1) Except as otherwise provided by these rules or other applicable law, any orders issued by
the Commissioner may be served personally or by mail addressed to the last known address of
the person to whom the order is directed or to the address for such person set forth in the
records of the Department or by delivery or mailing to a person or a location designated by the
person to whom the order is directed.
(2) Except as otherwise provided by these rules, a person to whom an order is directed shall
have an opportunity to be heard within five business days after a timely request for such
opportunity is received by the Department. A request shall be made within the time and in the
manner directed on the order. If, after considering the written objections of the respondent, the
Commissioner affirms the order, the work required by the order shall be completed within 30
days after notice of such determination is mailed to the respondent.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, an order to cease and desist may be given orally
or in writing to the persons executing the work and shall require immediate compliance
therewith.
(4) In accordance with §19-151 of the Administrative Code where a respondent fails to comply
with an order issued by the Commissioner, including an order to cease and desist, within the
applicable time, the Commissioner may execute the work required to be executed in such
order. All costs and expenses of the City for such work may be recovered from the persons
who are found to be liable for the violation.
(5) In addition, failure to comply with an order issued by the Commissioner may result in
criminal or civil penalties in accordance with §19-149 or 19-150 of the Administrative Code.
(f) Fees.
(1) The fees for permits and CARs are specified in §2-03 of these rules.
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Section 2-02
(2) Permits shall be valid for fifteen calendar days, unless otherwise specified on the permit.
Permits may be extended for 14 days upon presentation of proof that circumstances beyond
the permittee's control caused a delay in the work and payment of an additional fee. In the
event a permittee fails to complete the work within the time period specified in the permit,
another permit may be issued for a period of time to be specified by the Commissioner. There
shall be a separate permit fee for each such additional permit.
(3) Payment of all fees shall be received upon application for the permit or, where applicable,
no later than thirty calendar days after the billing date.
(g) Notice of street operations.
(1) Permittees and owners of underground facilities shall comply with state Industrial Code
Rule No. 53 relating to Construction, Excavation and Demolition Operations at or Near
Underground Facilities.
(2) Permittees shall notify the Police Department and the communications center of the Fire
Department of all construction activities requiring street closing at least twenty-four hours in
advance of the commencement of non-emergency work.
(3) In the event that any non-emergency construction work results in the closing of
(i) more than two-thirds (2/3) of the moving lanes per direction on any street for more than
15 minutes per hour between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., or
(ii) half (50%) or more of the moving lanes per direction on any street or limited access
roadway, for a duration of more than four minutes or two traffic light cycles of the nearest
traffic signal, whichever is less, during all other hours,
the permittee shall post at the site of the closing a public notification seven (7) calendar
days prior to such closing in a manner directed by OCMC.
(h) Work site safety. All obstructions on the street shall be protected by barricades, fencing, railing
with flags, lights, and/or signs, placed at proper intervals and at prescribed hours pursuant to §2-
01.1 of these rules. During twilight hours the flags shall be replaced with amber lights. Permittees
shall also comply with any additional work site safety requirements set forth in these rules or in the
permit.
(i) Waivers.
(1) Except where expressly prohibited by law, the Commissioner may, in his/her discretion,
waive or modify these rules, in the interests of public safety and convenience.
(2) Requests for waivers shall be submitted in writing to the Commissioner.
(j) Suspension of application review. The Commissioner may suspend review of applications for
permits pending:
(1) payment by an applicant of outstanding fines, civil penalties or judgments imposed or
entered against such applicant by a court or the environmental control board,
(2) payment by an applicant of outstanding fees or other charges lawfully assessed by the
Commissioner against such applicant pursuant to these rules or other applicable law and/or
(3) satisfactory compliance by an applicant with a CAR or order issued by the Commissioner.
(k) Permit revocation and refusal to renew permit.
(1) The Commissioner may, after giving the permittee notice and an opportunity to be heard,
revoke or refuse to renew a permit:
(i) for failure to comply with the terms or conditions of such permit, these rules or other
applicable law in carrying out the activity for which the permit was issued;
(ii) whenever there has been any false statement or any misrepresentation as to a material
fact in the application or accompanying papers upon which the issuance of the permit was
based; or
(iii) whenever a permit has been issued in error and the conditions are such that the permit
should not have been issued.
10
Section 2-02
(2) Prior to taking any of the actions listed in paragraph (1) above, the Commissioner shall give
the permittee an opportunity to be heard upon not less than two days notice.
(3) Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of paragraph (2) above, if the Commissioner
determines that an imminent peril to life or property exists, the Commissioner may revoke a
permit without affording the permittee an opportunity to be heard prior to such revocation. Upon
request of the permittee, the Commissioner shall afford the permittee an opportunity to present
his or her objections to such action within five days after such request is received by the
Department.
(l) Refusal to issue permit. The Commissioner may refuse to issue a permit to an applicant:
(1) who has exhibited a pattern of disregard for the rules or orders of the Department or the
terms or conditions of permits issued by the Department or for other applicable law,
(2) who has been found liable by a court or in a proceeding before the environmental control
board of a violation of a rule or order of the Department or the terms or conditions of a permit
issued by the Department or other applicable law, which violation caused an imminent peril to
life or property.
(m) Embargo periods.
(1) All routine work shall be suspended during an embargo period unless approval for the work
is granted by OCMC. Such suspension shall not apply to emergency work, for which an
emergency number shall be obtained by the permittee pursuant to the provisions of §2-07 and
§2-11 of these rules. Information regarding embargo periods is on file at each borough permit
office and is available upon request. It is the responsibility of each permittee to obtain such
information prior to the commencement of any work. It shall be a violation of these rules to do
any work on the street during an embargo period without the prior approval of OCMC or an
emergency number.
(2) A request for approval to work during an embargo shall be submitted on a form provided by
the Commissioner, along with a fee as specified in §2-03 of these rules. Payment of the
application fee shall not guarantee that approval to work during the embargo period will be
granted and application fee is in addition to any required permit fees.
(n) Voiding and reissuing of permits. Permits may be voided and reissued only within three
business days of issuance. See §2-03 for the fee for reissuance. Permits reissued after three
business days shall be subject to the full permit fee.
11
Section 2-03
SCHEDULE OF FEES
All fees shall be paid in accordance with the following fee schedule:
12
Section 2-03
13
Section 2-03
14
Section 2-03
15
Section 2-03
Subpoenas $15.00
Removal of banners, cost of
canopies, signs and labor and
other encroachments materials
and obstructions
Storage fee for $15.00
removed banners, per day
canopies, signs and
other encroachments
and obstructions
CARs $40.00
Backcharges and $134.00
JETS per sq.
yd.
Extension of Permit $40.00 14 days
Place commercial $30.00 5 consecutive 9 feet
refuse container on days
street
Application review fee $30.00
for placement of per
commercial refuse application
container on street in
restricted area as
defined in §2-14(f)(4)
Reissuance of permit $15.00 duration of
within three business original
days permit
16
Section 2-03
17
Section 2-04
CANOPIES
(a) Permit required. No person shall erect or maintain a canopy over the sidewalk without
obtaining a permit from the Commissioner. The canopy shall be adequate for public safety and
convenience and shall respect the special circumstances of the particular site or street and shall
not detract from public use of the sidewalk. Canopy permits may be issued for the entrance to a
building, or place of business within a building.
(b) Permit fees.
(1) The fee for the issuance of a canopy permit shall be $50 per year.
(2) The fee for the issuance of a canopy permit in connection with a sidewalk cafe license shall
be $25.
(c) Conditions.
(1) Canopy permits shall not be issued for:
(i) placement on streets listed in subdivision f of this section;
(ii) placement within the following: fifteen feet of fire hydrants or bus stop zones; beneath a
fire escape or so located as to obstruct operation of fire escape drop ladders or counter-
balanced stairs or so as to obstruct any exit from a building; within the area created by
extending the building line to the curb (the "corner") or within the area from ten feet of either
side of the corner (the "corner quadrant"); five feet of tree pit edges, four feet of street lights
and utility hole or transformer vault covers or gratings; three feet of parking meters; or
(iii) placement without written approval from the property owner; or
(iv) placement without written approval from the Department of Consumer Affairs for
locations licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs; or
(v) placement at locations deemed by the Commissioner as inadequate with respect to
public safety and convenience.
(2) Canopies shall not be permitted above underground street access covers, vault covers,
gratings, or cellar doors which require access.
(3) Canopy design and construction shall be in accordance with Standard Detail Drawing #H-
1029.
(4) Owners shall be responsible for the removal of a canopy within ten days when so directed
by the Commissioner for necessary street construction.
(5) Advertising on a canopy is prohibited. The house or street number and/or firm name or filed
trade name may appear on a canopy as prescribed by the Zoning Resolution of the City of New
York. However, descriptive words contained in the firm name or filed trade name tending to
advertise the business conducted on the premises are prohibited. Lettering may include logo
art for the purpose of business identification only.
(6) All canopy permits shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the entrance for which the
permit is issued.
(d) Maintenance.
(1) Canopies shall be well maintained at all times.
(2) The covering shall be kept clean, free from accumulation of snow and ice and free from rips
and tears, discoloration, fading, sagging, graffiti, etc.
(3) Canopies with metal frameworks shall be painted as needed, but at least every five years.
(4) All structural members shall be kept free of rust and surface imperfections (smooth to the
touch).
18
Section 2-04
19
Section 2-04
20
Section 2-04
21
Section 2-05
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
22
Section 2-05
containers (commonly referred to as shipping or cargo containers), which are not permitted on
City streets unless otherwise authorized by the Commissioner.
(4) Each container shall be stored in an area designated by the Commissioner for the storage
of construction material.
(5) All containers shall be clearly marked on all four sides with high intensity fluorescent paint,
reflectors, or other markings capable of producing a warning glow when struck by the head
lamps of a vehicle or other source of illumination at a distance of three hundred feet.
(6) No temporary hoist or scaffold shall be erected on or over a roadway without review of site
plans by OCMC, approval of such plans by the Commissioner and a permit from the
Department of Buildings.
(7) No temporary fence which extends more than three feet onto the street shall be erected on
the sidewalk without the Commissioner's approval of the location and a permit from the
Department of Buildings.
(8) Construction material or equipment shall not be stored or placed within:
(i) five feet of railroad tracks;
(ii) three feet of any city-owned electrical systems equipment including, but not limited to,
signal and lamp posts, ITS systems, cameras, panel and/or junction boxes, provided that
access to the equipment is maintained at all times;
(iii) fifteen feet of hydrants or water sampling stations;
(iv) the area created by extending the building line to the curb (the "corner") or within the
area from ten feet of either side of the corner (the "corner quadrant");
(v) any "No Standing" zone; or
(vi) stored at a height greater than five (5) feet, unless such construction material or
equipment is a nondivisible load which exceeds five (5) feet in height, or unless otherwise
authorized by the Commissioner.
(9) Permittees shall comply with all rules or permit conditions relating to interference with
access to subway facilities, fire alarms, street signs, parking meters, emergency telephones,
water main valves, utility facilities and any city-owned electrical equipment including, but not
limited to, cameras, ITS, street light and signal poles, panel and/or junction boxes.
(10) Space shall be provided within the storage area for loading and unloading construction
materials and for all other permissible operations.
(11) The storage area shall be clearly delineated on all sides with barricades, fencing, railing or
other safety devices reflectorized and/or illuminated pursuant to §2-02(h) of these rules.
(12) For the purpose of mixing mortar, concrete or other materials, or to bend steel
reinforcement bars, surface protection shall be provided.
(13) Mortar boxes for hand mixing shall not extend beyond the area permitted for the storage of
materials on the street.
(14) Storage space shall not exceed eighty percent of each linear frontage of the plot on which
the buildings are to be constructed, altered or demolished; nor shall more than one-third of the
roadway width, with a maximum of one lane measured from the curb, be encumbered with
construction material unless a street closing permit is obtained.
(15) The Commissioner may direct that construction material stored or placed within the street
line, particularly in a critical area, be confined to the sidewalk frontage area where the building
is to be constructed, altered or demolished. The permittee shall enclose the sidewalk storage
area with a four foot high barricade or fence pursuant to §2-02(h) of these rules and shall
provide adequate lighting and a minimum of five feet of clear pedestrian passage. A temporary
partial sidewalk closing permit shall be required.
(16) All equipment hoses, cables, or wires carried overhead across the sidewalk shall have
fourteen (14) feet minimum clearance.
23
Section 2-05
(17) All equipment hoses, cables, or wires placed on the sidewalk while in use shall be bridged
and protected by warning signs and/or lights.
(18) A construction activity permit shall be required for a truck crane (boom truck) with
telescopic, hydraulic or folding booms, over fifty feet and not more than one hundred thirty-five
feet with a maximum rated capacity of three tons. A valid copy of a current "Crane Approval
and Operations Certificate (CD)" shall be obtained from the Department of Buildings when a
"Certificate of On-site Inspection" is not required.
(19) The permittee must maintain any protective covering placed on the street while
construction materials or equipment is on the street.
(e) Temporarily closing sidewalk. A temporary partial sidewalk closing permit shall be required
when more than three feet from the property line is obstructed by a fence. A temporary full
sidewalk closing permit shall be required when a minimum clear sidewalk passage of five feet
cannot be maintained for pedestrians.
(f) Temporary pedestrian walkway in roadway.
(1) The Commissioner may require permittees to construct temporary pedestrian walkways on
the roadway when adequate pedestrian passage cannot be maintained on the sidewalk.
(2) If a pedestrian walkway in the roadway is not required, warning signs advising pedestrians
to use the opposite sidewalks shall be placed and maintained at each corner or as otherwise
directed.
(g) Temporarily closing roadway.
(1) A roadway closing permit is required for closing one or more lanes of the roadway.
(2) A roadway closing permit is required during blasting operations and the firing of shots.
(h) Placement of shanties or trailers on the street.
(1) A permit shall be required to place a construction shanty, trailer, or similar structure on the
street.
(2) Placement of shanties or trailers is subject to the same restrictions as the placement of
equipment.
(3) Construction shanties or trailers shall be placed within the storage area provided for
construction materials.
(4) Shanties and trailers shall be removed from the street when the building structure first floor
level is covered by a roof, second floor or a second floor slab, unless otherwise directed by the
Commissioner.
(5) Use of a shanty or trailer anywhere on a street as a renting or sales office shall be
prohibited.
(6) No lettering or symbols shall be placed on a shanty or trailer except for the name and
telephone number of the contractor.
(7) The shanty or trailer shall be lighted or have reflectorized striping on the exterior.
(i) Crossing a sidewalk.
(1) A permit for crossing a sidewalk shall be obtained for the delivery or removal of any
construction material or equipment on the street by vehicle or motorized equipment across a
sidewalk where there is no approved drop curb (driveway).
(2) A maximum of two sidewalk crossings shall be allowed per each three hundred linear feet.
(j) Placement of cranes and derricks on street. For the purposes of these rules the terms
"crane" and "derrick" shall be as defined in the New York City building code.
(1) Permit requirements.
(i) Building operations.
(A) A crane permit shall be required for all cranes and derricks operating in the
street on building construction or related activity under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Buildings, with the exception of: truck cranes with telescopic,
hydraulic or folding booms, over fifty feet and not more than one hundred thirty-five
24
Section 2-05
feet with a maximum rated capacity of three tons, for which a construction activity
permit has been issued.
(B) A crane permit shall be required for assist cranes with a maximum rated
capacity greater than twenty tons to assemble, operate, or disassemble any crane
on a street. Assist cranes with a maximum rated capacity of twenty tons or less shall
require a Construction Activity Permit.
(C) All permittees shall comply with the rules for power operated cranes, derricks and
cableways of the Department of Buildings.
(ii) Street operations.
(A) A crane permit shall be required for all cranes and derricks operating in the street
with a maximum rated capacity greater than twenty (20) tons and which are not related
to building operations.
(B) A construction activity permit shall be required for all cranes and derricks with a
rated capacity of twenty tons or less when used for street related activity and where the
activity is not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Buildings. A written statement
shall be submitted by the owner of the structure, building or premises, general
contractor, construction manager, or authorized agent stating that he/she visited the site
and that there are no excavations or retaining walls and that no vaults or subsurface
construction exists at the site. If there are excavations, retaining walls, vaults or
subsurface construction existing at the site, then an affidavit shall be submitted from a
Professional Engineer indicating (1) that the sidewalk or roadway and the supporting
sub-grade can safely bear the crane and crane load, (2) that any existing vaults or other
subsurface structures are capable of supporting the crane and load, and (3) that the
sheeting or retaining walls supporting any excavations adjoining the street area are
capable of supporting the crane and load.
(2) Application. All applicants for a permit shall file the following:
(i) A standard application including the following information:
(A) location of the work site;
(B) nature of the work to be performed;
(C) date of commencement of crane operation and estimated completion date;
(D) length of the crane's boom. (Approval of the Department of Buildings is required for
cranes with booms over two hundred fifty feet in length, contingent upon passing a
satisfactory assembled inspection for each phase. For such cranes, a special review
and approval meeting must be held with the Department of Buildings and the
applicant.);
(E) model and serial numbers of cranes to be used;
(F) crane/derrick application form #M12;
(G) approval or permit from the Department of Buildings in the case of new structures,
renovations or modifications made to a building, or placement of a sign structure; and
(H) daily or annual overdimensional permit.
(ii) A sketch showing:
(A) proposed location of the crane in the work area;
(B) area to be designated for pedestrian passageway;
(C) measures to be taken from safeguarding and protecting pedestrians and for
maintaining vehicular traffic, including OCMC stipulations.
(iii) The following documentation from the Department of Buildings:
(A) "Crane Approval and Operations Certificate (CD)" (for all cranes and derricks).
(B) "Application for a Certificate of On-Site Inspection (Crane Notice)".
(C) All plans/amendments related to the operation and movement of the crane.
25
Section 2-05
(3) Placement. All cranes may be placed partially or entirely on the street, in the discretion of
the Commissioner, subject to the following conditions and requirements:
(i) A crane shall not occupy more than one third of the roadway width except in
accordance with the stipulations set forth in the street closing permit.
(ii) The extreme outer limit of the crane, in any operating or storage position, shall be at
least twelve feet from the opposite curb. The Commissioner may issue a street closing
permit when a minimum of twelve feet cannot be maintained.
(iii) Cranes equipped with steel tracks shall be supported by:
(A) steel plates; or
(B) timber platforms not less than six inches thick and covering the entire base of the
crane.
(iv) The crane and loads shall not exceed 3,500 lbs. per square foot.
(v) For cranes equipped with rubber tires:
(A) the pressure applied to the street surface through outriggers or other elements of
the crane shall not exceed 3,500 lbs. per square foot;
(B) the pressure shall be distributed by timber mats, wood planking or steel plates,
extending not less than twelve inches beyond the base of the outriggers on all sides
and sufficiently thick to uniformly distribute the load pressure including the weight of the
crane.
(vi) Each permittee shall ensure that the surface upon which the crane will rest is capable
of supporting the above pressures. The permittee shall further expand the size and
thickness of the timber platforms, mats and steel plates beyond the minimum requirements
stipulated above for all types of cranes, so as not to exceed the bearing capacity of the
street. This shall apply to structural streets and streets over underground
facilities/structures as well.
(vii) An alternate means of distributing the load may be approved by the Department of
Buildings when a "Certificate of On-Site Inspection" is required.
(viii) When any part of the crane requiring a "Certificate of On-Site Inspection" is placed on
the street, a statement by a New York State licensed professional engineer shall be filed
with the Borough Permit Office certifying:
(A) that the street area and the supporting subgrade can bear the crane load safely.
Should the street condition require that the crane and load be distributed over a larger
area than afforded by the elements of the crane, the New York State licensed
professional engineer shall furnish full dimensional details of load distribution;
(B) that the engineer has taken all necessary measures to ascertain that there is no
vault underneath the sidewalk area or that if a vault does exist its roof is sufficiently
strong to support the load to be imposed thereon.
(C) that the sheeting or retaining walls supporting any excavations adjoining the street
bearing the load capacity are capable of supporting the area carrying the crane and
load. When the crane is used to excavate adjacent to itself, the New York State
licensed professional engineer shall specify the sheeting or retaining wall reinforcement
required to support the crane and load.
(4) Master or special rigger/sign hanger. A "Certificate of Crane On-Site Inspection" is not
required for a master or special rigger or a master or special sign hanger working within the
purview of his/her license issued by the New York City Department of Buildings. Permissible
work under the supervision of a master or special rigger or a master or special sign hanger
includes:
(i) the hoisting or lowering of any article on the outside of any existing/completed building;
(ii) the removal or installation of boilers and tanks; and
(iii) the erection, maintenance or removal of signs or sign structures.
26
Section 2-05
27
Section 2-05
demand a payment of $1,000 a day for the first five days and $2,500 for each day
thereafter.
(v) A Letter of Credit shall not be required in the following circumstances:
(A) contractors with licensed operators performing rigging operations, i.e. hoisting or
lowering materials or equipment on or off existing buildings;
(B) in special cases, contractors with licensed operators performing rigging operations
in conjunction with new building construction;
(C) contractors with licensed operators performing work on elevated railroad or bridge
structure engaged in street construction such as pavement removal, trenching or
bulkheading, or in the installation and/or repair of underground shafts, sewers and water
facilities.
(k) Format to be used for Irrevocable Stand-By Letter of Credit.
Beneficiary
The City of New York
Department of Transportation
Manhattan Street Maintenance Office
Battery Maritime Building, 4th floor
New York, New York 10004
Sir/Madam:
By order of our client (name and address of Permittee), we issue this Stand-By Irrevocable
Letter of Credit No. . . . . in your favor for $40,000.00 (Forty Thousand U.S. Dollars) effective
immediately for our client's performance under the required Crane Permit(s) for the placement
of cranes at the following location(s):
________________________________
________________________________
Funds under this Irrevocable Letter of Credit are available by Sight Draft drawn on us
accompanied by:
1. A statement signed by the Commissioner of the New York City Department of
Transportation or an authorized representative stating that:
"(Permittee Name) has failed to comply with the terms and conditions agreed to under
the permit(s) issued or has failed to remove a crane when required. For this violation the
City of New York, acting through its Department of Transportation, is demanding a
payment of $1,000.00 (One Thousand U.S. Dollars) a day for the first five days of
violation. After five days, payment for the continuing violation is $2,500.00 (Two
Thousand Five Hundred U.S. Dollars) a day." "This(these) violation(s) has(have)
existed for . . . days and demand is now made for payment of (enter total amount). We
have notified (Permittee name and address) in writing that this certification is being
presented."
2. A copy of notice given to (Permittee name) referred to in No. 1 above.
3. The original of this Irrevocable Letter of Credit and Amendments, if any.
The Sight Draft shall bear the following clause:
"DRAWN UNDER (Bank Name), LETTER OF CREDIT NUMBER . . . . . DATED . . . . . . . . . ."
This Irrevocable Letter of Credit expires at (Bank office address) at the close of business on . . .
This Irrevocable Letter of Credit sets forth in full the terms of our undertaking and such
undertaking shall not in any way be modified, amended, or amplified by reference to any
document, instrument or agreement referred to herein or to which this Irrevocable Letter of
Credit relates and any such reference shall not be deemed to incorporate herein by reference
any document, instrument or agreement.
28
Section 2-05
We agree with you that drafts drawn in compliance with the terms of this Credit shall be
honored on presentation.
This Irrevocable Letter of Credit is subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for
Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No.
500.
(l) Crane Restricted Area
29
Section 2-05
30
Section 2-06
Section 2-06
31
Section 2-06
32
Section 2-06
33
Section 2-07
34
Section 2-07
inches outward from the perimeter of the cover or grating. Such owner must obtain a permit to
maintain a steel plate that is covering such cover or grating or such street condition.
(3) Street hardware shall be flush with the surrounding street surface. Street hardware which is
greater than 1/2" above or below the street surface as measured by a six foot straight edge
centered on the hardware shall be replaced or adjusted at the owner's expense.
(4) Owners of underground facilities shall only use covers with their name or registered
markings clearly displayed for identification purposes. Owners shall have one year from the
date of the adoption of this paragraph to be in full compliance with this paragraph.
(5) Covers shall be clearly identified with markings that are registered with the Department. The
owners of covers which are in good condition but lack identifying markings shall place the
assigned color code or tag next to the cover or grating in lieu of replacement.
(6) Underground street access covers, transformer vault covers, and gratings shall not be
placed in any street over an opening unless they are of a type approved by the Commissioner.
(c) Work in critical roadways.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subdivision, no person shall
perform subsurface work requiring cover and grating openings in the critical roadways listed in
paragraph 5 of this subdivision at the locations and during the hours specified in such
paragraph.
(2) No person shall perform emergency work requiring cover or grating openings in the critical
roadways listed in paragraph 5 of this subdivision at the locations and during the hours
specified in such paragraph without an emergency authorization number from the Department.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, subsurface work requiring cover or grating
openings may be performed at any time in traffic lanes which are obstructed by street
construction authorized by the Commissioner, i.e., by the installation of water mains, sewers,
street lighting, traffic control devices, cranes, construction debris containers, or other
construction equipment.
(4) Authorization for emergency work requiring cover and grating openings in critical roadways
during restricted hours.
(i) An authorization number shall be obtained by the owner of the cover or grating or the
authorized agent of the owner by faxing the required DOT request for authorization number
form to the Department's Emergency Authorization Unit, unless otherwise directed by the
Commissioner. Required information shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(A) Name of permittee
(B) Permittee ID #
(C) Location of emergency (including borough)
(D) Type of emergency (including interruption of service)
(ii) Authorization numbers shall be kept on site and shall be presented upon the request of
any police officer or other City employee authorized by the Commissioner to enforce these
rules. Any additional information regarding the emergency work that is requested at the site
by a Department inspector shall be provided by the permittee and/or the persons performing
such work.
(iii) The fee for obtaining an authorization number shall be thirty dollars ($30.00). Such fee
shall be paid within fifteen days of billing. The owner shall be responsible for payment of all
fees imposed pursuant to this paragraph.
(iv) Emergency work shall be performed on an around-the-clock basis until the emergency is
eliminated, at which time the emergency authorization number expires, as specified in
subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (g) of §2-11 of these rules.
(v) The person performing such emergency work shall inform the Department's Emergency
Authorization Unit within twelve hours of the completion of such emergency work.
35
Section 2-07
(5) Critical roadways: Work restrictions apply Monday through Friday (except for the holidays of
New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day) at the locations (including intersections) and during the hours listed below:
(i) Manhattan
(A) East/West Roadways-Restricted Access 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
1. 8th Street-Avenue of the Americas to Third Avenue
2. 9th Street-Avenue of the Americas to First Avenue
3. 14th Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to FDR Drive
4. 20th Street-Avenue C to First Avenue
5. 23rd Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to FDR Drive/Avenue C
6. 25th Street-FDR Drive to First Avenue
7. 30th Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to FDR Drive
8. 31st Street-Tenth Avenue to Second Avenue
9. 32nd Street-Seventh Avenue to Second Avenue
10. 33rd Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to First Avenue
11. 34th Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to FDR Drive
12. 35th Street-Eleventh Avenue to FDR Drive
13. 36th Street-Eleventh Avenue to FDR Drive
14. 37th Street-Eleventh Avenue to FDR Drive
15. 38th Street-Eleventh Avenue to FDR Drive
16. 39th Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to First Avenue
17. 40th Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to First Avenue
18. 41st Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to Avenue of the Americas
19. 42nd Street-Joe DiMaggio Highway to FDR Drive
20. 43rd Street-First Avenue to Lexington Avenue
21. 43rd Street-Vanderbilt Avenue to Joe DiMaggio Highway
22. 44th Street-First Avenue to Lexington Avenue
23. 44th Street-Vanderbilt Avenue to Joe DiMaggio Highway
24. 45th Street-First Avenue to Joe DiMaggio Highway
25. 46th Street-First Avenue to Eighth Avenue
26. 47th Street-First Avenue to Eighth Avenue
27. 48th Street-First Avenue to Eighth Avenue
28. 49th Street-FDR Drive to Joe DiMaggio Highway
29. 50th Street-Beekman Street to Joe DiMaggio Highway
30. 51st Street-First Avenue to Eighth Avenue
31. 52nd Street-First Avenue to Eighth Avenue
32. 53rd Street-FDR Drive to Eighth Avenue
33. 54th Street-First Avenue to Eighth Avenue
34. 55th Street-Sutton Place to Joe DiMaggio Highway
35. 56th Street-Sutton Place to Joe DiMaggio Highway
36. 57th Street-Sutton Place to Joe DiMaggio Highway
37. 58th Street-Sutton Place to Eleventh Avenue
38. 59th Street-Fifth Avenue to Sutton Place
39. 59th Street-Miller Highway to Columbus Avenue
40. 60th Street-FDR Drive to Fifth Avenue
41. 61st Street-FDR Drive to Fifth Avenue
42. 62nd Street-FDR Drive to Fifth Avenue
43. 63rd Street-FDR Drive to Fifth Avenue
44. 65th Street-Central Park West to Fifth Avenue (Transverse Roadway)
45. 65th Street-West End Avenue to York Avenue
36
Section 2-07
37
Section 2-07
38
Section 2-07
39
Section 2-07
(ii) Brooklyn
(A) Restricted Access 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
40
Section 2-07
41
Section 2-07
42
Section 2-07
(iii) Bronx
(A) Restricted Access 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
1. Bronx River Parkway-Bruckner Expressway to 238th Street
2. Bruckner Boulevard-Third Avenue to Bronx River Avenue
3. Bruckner Expressway-Major Deegan Expressway to Hutchinson River Parkway
4. Cross Bronx Expressway-Throgs Neck Expressway to Major Deegan Expressway
5. East 138th Street-Exterior Street to Bruckner Boulevard
6. Henry Hudson Parkway-Henry Hudson Bridge to Westchester County Line
7. Hutchinson River Parkway-Bronx-Whitestone Bridge to Westchester County Line
8. Major Deegan Expressway-Bruckner Expressway to Westchester County Line
9. Mosholu Parkway-Henry Hudson Parkway to Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff Boulevard
10. New England Thruway-Hutchinson River Parkway to Westchester County Line
11. Sheridan Expressway-Bruckner Expressway to Cross Bronx Expressway
12. Throgs Neck Expressway-Throgs Neck Bridge to Bruckner Expressway
Note: All service roads abutting highways, parkways, expressway, etc. are
considered to be critical streets from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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Section 2-07
19. Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff Boulevard-East Fordham Road to Bronx Park East
20. Dyre Avenue-Lustre Street to Boston Road
21. East 149th Street-River Avenue to Southern Boulevard
22. East 161st Street-Jerome Avenue to Third Avenue
23. East 163rd Street-Webster Avenue to Bruckner Boulevard
24. East 177th Street-Ferris Avenue to Harding Avenue
25. East 177th Street-Rodman Place to Rosedale Avenue
26. East 222nd Street-Bronx Boulevard to Baychester Avenue
27. East 233rd Street-Jerome Avenue to Boston Road
28. East 241st Street-Bullard Avenue to Baychester Avenue
29. Eastchester Road-East 222nd Street to Williamsbridge Road
30. Edson Avenue-Boston Road to East Gun Hill Road
31. Edward L. Grant Highway-Jerome Avenue to University Avenue
32. Featherbed Lane-University Avenue to Macombs Road
33. Ferris Avenue-Bronx Whitestone Bridge Plaza to Lafayette Avenue
34. Fordham Road-Cedar Avenue to Boston Road
35. Garrison Avenue-Leggett Avenue to Edgewater Road
36. Grand Avenue-Macombs Road to West 177th Street
37. Grand Concourse-138th Street to Mosholu Parkway
38. Gun Hill Road-Mosholu Parkway Service Road to Stillwell Avenue
39. Hunts Point Avenue-Halleck Street to Bruckner Boulevard
40. Hutchinson River Parkway East-Baychester Avenue to Bartow Avenue
41. Hutchinson River Parkway West-Baychester Avenue to Bartow Avenue
42. Jarvis Avenue-Burke Avenue to Country Club Road
43. Jerome Avenue-East 161st Street to East 233rd Street
44. Kingsbridge Road-Bailey Avenue to East Fordham Road
45. Lafayette Avenue-Brush Avenue to Ellsworth Avenue
46. Lafayette Avenue-Edgewater Road to Bruckner Boulevard
47. Leggett Avenue-Garrison Avenue to Bruckner Boulevard
48. Longwood Avenue-Garrison Avenue to Bruckner Boulevard
49. Melrose Avenue-East 149th Street to Brook Avenue
50. Metropolitan Avenue-Westchester Avenue to Castle Hill Avenue
51. Middletown Road-Westchester Avenue to Bruckner Boulevard
52. Morris Park Avenue-East 177th Street to Eastchester Road
53. Mosholu Avenue-West 254th Street to Broadway
54. Mosholu Parkway Service Road-Webster Avenue to West Gun Hill Road/Van
Cortlandt Park South
55. Nereid Avenue-Bronx Boulevard to Seton Avenue
56. Pelham Parkway-Boston Road to Burr Avenue
57. Pelham Parkway-Hutchinson River Parkway to City Island Road
58. Riverdale Avenue-West 252nd Street to West 263rd Street
59. Rosedale Avenue-Sound View Avenue to East Tremont Avenue
60. Sedgwick Avenue (Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard)-Jerome Avenue to
Mosholu Parkway
61. Shore Road-City Island Road to Park Drive
62. Sound View Avenue-Metcalf Avenue to White Plains Road
63. Southern Boulevard-Bruckner Boulevard to East Fordham Road
64. Third Avenue-Bruckner Boulevard to Webster Avenue/West Fordham Road
65. Throgs Neck Boulevard-Harding Avenue to Layton Avenue
66. Tillotson Avenue-Eastchester Road to Hutchinson Avenue
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Section 2-07
(iv) Queens
(A) Restricted Access 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
1. Belt Parkway-Laurelton Parkway to Brooklyn County Line
2. Brooklyn-Queens Expressway-Kosciusko Bridge to Grand Central Parkway
3. Clearview Expressway-Cross Island Parkway to Grand Central Parkway
4. Cross Island Parkway-Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Approach to Southern State
Parkway
5. Grand Central Parkway-Triboro Plaza to Nassau County Line
6. Jackie Robinson Parkway-Brooklyn County Line to Grand Central Parkway/Van
Wyck Expressway Interchange
7. JFK Expressway-Belt Parkway to JFK Airport
8. Laurelton Parkway-Southern State Parkway to Belt Parkway
9. Long Island Expressway-Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to Nassau County Line
(*Restricted Access 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
10. Nassau Expressway-Rockaway Boulevard to Belt Parkway
11. Queens Plaza North-Northern Boulevard to Crescent Street
12. Queens Plaza South-Crescent Street to Jackson Avenue
13. Van Wyck Expressway-Grand Central Parkway/Whitestone Expressway to JFK
Airport
45
Section 2-07
46
Section 2-07
47
Section 2-07
48
Section 2-07
49
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50
Section 2-08
NEWSRACKS
(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
(1) Newsrack. "Newsrack" shall mean any self-service or coin-operated box, container or other
dispenser installed, used or maintained for the display, sale or distribution of newspapers or
other written matter to the general public.
(2) Person. "Person" shall mean a natural person, partnership, corporation, limited liability
company or other association.
(3) Sidewalk. "Sidewalk" shall mean that portion of a street between the curb lines or the lateral
lines of a roadway and the adjacent property lines, but not including the curb, intended for the
use of pedestrians.
(4) Crosswalk. "Crosswalk" shall mean that part of a roadway, whether marked or unmarked,
which is included within the extension of the sidewalk lines between opposite sides of the
roadway at an intersection.
(5) Crosswalk area. "Crosswalk area" shall mean that area of the sidewalk bounded by the
extension of the lines of a crosswalk onto the sidewalk up to the building or property line.
(6) Corner area. "Corner area" shall mean that area of a sidewalk encompassed by the
extension of the building lines to the curb on each corner.
(7) Board. "Board" shall mean the environmental control board of the city of New York.
(8) Multiple-vending newsrack. A newsrack designed to hold two or more different
publications.
(9) Owner. When applied to newsracks, "owner" shall mean a person who owns or is in control
of one or more newsracks placed, installed or maintained on a sidewalk. Each newsrack shall
have a single owner for purposes of complying with this section and the provisions of §19-
128.1 of the New York City Administrative Code.
(b) Placement.
(1) Manner.
(i) Newsracks shall be weighted down on all sidewalks in such a way as to insure that the
newsrack cannot be tipped over.
(ii) Newsracks shall not be bolted to the sidewalk, except that multiple-vending newsracks
may be bolted pursuant to a permit from the Department, except as provided in paragraph 2
of this subdivision b.
(iii) A newsrack may not be chained to property owned or maintained by the city, except
that newsracks may be chained to lampposts (except for decorative lampposts). A
newsrack so chained must not be in an unlawful location as specified in subdivision (c) of
this section. To the extent an owner seeks to chain such newsrack to property not owned or
maintained by the city, the consent of the owner of or person responsible for such property
is required. In all cases where the use of chains to secure newsracks is permitted, such
chains shall be made of galvanized steel with a plastic or rubber protective coating, at least
0.14 inches thick, and shall allow a distance of no more than eight (8) inches between the
newsrack and the street furniture to which it is chained.
(2) Distinctive sidewalks. Multiple-vending newsracks may be bolted to sidewalks comprised
of distinctive material, including, but not limited to, granite, terrazzo or bluestone, pursuant to a
permit from the Department and provided that the written permission of the property owner or
other entity that installed the distinctive sidewalk is obtained in advance of such bolting.
(3) Sidewalk repair and restoration. An owner shall be responsible for any damage caused or
repairs necessitated by the installation, presence or maintenance of such newsrack. Such
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Section 2-08
owner also shall be responsible for any damage caused or repairs necessitated by the removal
of a newsrack by either such owner or by an authorized officer or employee of the Department
or of any city agency who is designated by the Commissioner, or by a police officer. Such
repairs shall be made promptly and in accordance with the Standard Specifications, Standard
Detail Drawings, and Instructions for Filing Plans and Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalks,
Curbs, Roadways and Other Infrastructure Components, or as otherwise directed by the
Commissioner.
(4) Notification to the Department of location of newsracks.
(i) Where a newsrack has been placed or installed on a sidewalk before September 13,
2004, the owner shall, by November 1, 2004, have notified the Department by facsimile,
electronically or by other means as directed by the Commissioner and on a form approved
or provided by the Commissioner, of
(A) the location of such newsrack;
(B) the name of the newspaper(s) or written matter to be offered for distribution in
such newsrack; and
(C) the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the owner. The
name and address shall be identical to the name and address for mailing of process
in the owner's Certificate of Incorporation or Application for Authority to do business
in New York State. The owner shall represent that such newsracks comply with the
provisions of this section and §19-128.1 of the New York City Administrative Code.
(ii) Any other owner shall, at least seven (7) days prior to the installation of its first
newsrack, provide to the Department the indemnification notification and insurance
certification required pursuant to subdivision f of this section and the information required in
clauses (B) and (C) of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(iii) Subsequent to the initial notification required by subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this
paragraph, notification shall be made on an annual basis by November 1 of each year and
shall include the information in clauses (A), (B), and (C) of subparagraph (i) of this
paragraph.
(iv) If the number of newsracks owned or controlled by an owner increases or decreases by
ten (10) percent or more of the number of newsracks that have been included in the most
recent notification required to be submitted by such owner, such owner shall also be
required to submit the information in clauses (A), (B), and (C) of subparagraph (i) of this
paragraph within seven (7) days of such change.
(v) An owner shall advise the Department of any change in his, her or its name, address,
telephone number, or email address within seven (7) days of such change including any
changes to the Certificate of Incorporation or Application for Authority to do business in
New York State.
(c) Unlawful locations. No owner shall install, use or maintain any newsrack in any of the
following locations:
(1) within fifteen (15) feet of any fire hydrant;
(2) in any driveway or within five (5) feet of any driveway;
(3) in any curb cut designed to facilitate street access by disabled persons or within two feet of
any such curb cut;
(4) within fifteen (15) feet of the entrance or exit of any railway station or subway station, except
that a newsrack that otherwise complies with this subdivision may be placed against the rear of
the station entrance or exit, but not against the sides;
(5) within any bus stop;
(6) within a crosswalk area;
(7) within a corner area or within five (5) feet of any corner area;
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(8) on any surface where such installation or maintenance will cause damage to or interference
with the use of any pipes, vault areas, telephone or electrical cables or other similar locations;
(9) on any cellar door, grating, utility maintenance cover or other similar locations;
(10) on, in or over any part of the roadway of any public street;
(11) unless eight (8) feet of sidewalk width is preserved for unobstructed pedestrian passage;
(12) in any park or on any sidewalk immediately contiguous to a park where such sidewalk is
an integral part of the park design;
(13) on any area of lawn, flowers, shrubs, trees or other landscaping or in such a manner that
use of the newsrack would cause damage to such landscaping;
(14) where such placement, installation or maintenance endangers the safety of persons or
property;
(15) at any distance less than eighteen (18) inches or more than twenty-four (24) inches from
the face of the curb, measured to the side of the newsrack closest to the curb (This paragraph
shall not apply to a newsrack placed against the rear of the entrance or exit of a subway or
railway as provided in paragraph 4, above.);
(16) within five (5) feet of a canopy; and
(17) within fifteen (15) feet of a sidewalk newsstand.
(d) Size, shape and appearance.
(1) Dimensions. No newsrack may be higher than fifty (50) inches, wider than twenty-four (24)
inches or deeper than twenty-four (24) inches. Notwithstanding the above, no multiple-vending
newsrack shall be higher than sixty (60) inches, wider than ninety (90) inches or deeper than
thirty-six (36) inches.
(2) Identifying information required. The owner shall affix his, her or its name, address,
telephone number and e-mail address, if any, on the newsrack in a readily visible location and
shall conform such information to any changes required to be reported to the department in
accordance with the provisions of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of this section. In no event
shall a post office box be considered an acceptable address for purposes of this paragraph.
(3) Advertisements prohibited. The surfaces of the newsrack shall not include any
advertisement, whether painted, posted, or otherwise affixed thereto, or be used for
promotional purposes, except for announcing the name and/or website of the newspaper or
other written matter offered for distribution in such newsrack.
(4) Electricity. No electricity shall be run into a newsrack nor shall any connection for electrical
purposes be installed in or on a newsrack.
(e) Maintenance. The owner shall be responsible for the following:
(1) Certification. The owner shall certify to the commissioner on forms prescribed by the
commissioner that each newsrack has been repainted, or that best efforts have been made to
remove graffiti and other unauthorized writing, painting, drawing or other markings or
inscriptions, at least once during the immediately preceding four (4) month period. Such
certification shall be submitted on January 15, May 15 and September 15 of each year for the
four (4) month period ending on the last day of the preceding month. A separate certification
form shall be submitted for the newsracks dispensing a particular publication.
(2) Logs and records. Each owner shall maintain for each publication a separate log in which
the measures taken to remove graffiti and other unauthorized writing, painting, drawing or other
markings or inscriptions and the dates and times when they are taken are recorded in
accordance with a format approved or set forth by the commissioner. Records shall be
maintained for a period of three (3) years documenting the use of materials, employees,
contractors, other resources and expenditures used for the purpose of demonstrating the
repainting or best efforts to remove graffiti and other unauthorized writing, painting, drawing or
other markings or inscriptions. Such logs and records shall be made available to the
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Section 2-08
department for inspection and copying during normal and regular business hours and shall be
delivered to the department upon request.
(3) Refuse. No refuse shall accumulate in a newsrack nor shall any newsrack deteriorate into
an unsanitary condition. The owner shall remove refuse within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt
of a notice of correction from the Commissioner, which shall be deemed to have been received
five (5) days from the date on which it was mailed by the Commissioner.
(4) Damage. A damaged newsrack or one in need of repair shall be repaired, replaced or
removed within seven (7) business days of receipt of a notice of correction regarding such
damage or need for repair, except that if such damaged newsrack poses a danger to persons
or property, it shall be made safe within twenty-four (24) hours following receipt of such notice
of correction, which shall be deemed to have been received five (5) days from the date on
which it was mailed by the Commissioner.
(5) Continuous use. In no event shall the owner fail to keep such newsrack supplied with
written matter for a period of more than seven (7) consecutive days without securing the door
so as to prevent the deposit of refuse therein. Notwithstanding the securing of the door, in no
event shall such newsrack remain empty for a total period of more than thirty (30) consecutive
days. Any newsrack empty for longer than such period shall be deemed abandoned.
(f) Indemnification and insurance.
(1) Indemnification. The owner of a newsrack placed or installed on any sidewalk shall
indemnify and hold the City harmless from any and all losses, costs, damages, expenses,
claims, judgments or liabilities that the City may incur by reason of the placement, installation
or maintenance of such newsrack, except to the extent such damage results from the
negligence or intentional act of the city. In addition to the insurance certificate submitted
pursuant to paragraph 3 of this subdivision f, the owner shall submit by regular mail an
indemnification notification on a form provided by the Commissioner.
(2) Insurance. The owner shall procure and maintain, for as long as the newsrack remains on
City property, a commercial general liability insurance policy from an insurer licensed to do
business in the State of New York in his or her or its name, which names the City of New York,
its departments, boards, officers, employees and agents as additional insureds for the specific
purpose of indemnifying and holding harmless those additional insureds from and against any
losses, costs, damages, expenses, claims, judgments or liabilities that result from or arise out
of the placement, installation and/or maintenance of such newsrack. The minimum limits of
such insurance coverage shall be no less than $300,000 combined single limit for bodily injury,
including death, and property damage, dedicated exclusively to the liabilities relating to such
newsracks, except that any person who maintains an average of 100 or more newsracks at any
one time shall maintain a minimum insurance coverage of $1 million dedicated exclusively to
such liabilities. All insurance policies shall be endorsed to provide that (a) the City shall have no
obligation whatever to provide notice to the insurance company of any occurrence or claim, and
that the City's notice to the insurance company of the commencement of a lawsuit against the
City, if required, shall be deemed timely if received within 180 days thereof; and (b) notice by
any other insured of the commencement of any lawsuit against such insured shall constitute
notice on behalf of the City as well.
(3) Insurance certificate. An insurance certificate shall be submitted to the Commissioner by
the owner within sixty (60) days after the effective date of §19-128.1 of the New York City
Administrative Code, and thereafter, by December 31 of each year or by the expiration date of
the policy, whichever is earlier, certifying that the insurance required by paragraph 2 of this
subdivision f is in place for all newsracks owned by such person. When a newsrack that is not
covered by such insurance is placed or installed on a sidewalk after the effective date of such
§19-128.1, the owner shall, within sixty (60) days after the effective date of §19-128.1 of the
New York City Administrative Code or within ten (10) days of the installation of such newsrack,
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Section 2-08
whichever is later, provide to the Department the insurance certification required pursuant to
this subdivision f. Acceptance by the Commissioner of any insurance certificate, whether or not
conforming to the requirements of paragraph 2 of this subdivision f, shall not relieve the owner
of his, her or its obligation to actually provide such insurance. The certificate shall provide that
no cancellation, termination or alteration shall be made without thirty (30) days' advance written
notice to the Department.
(g) Violations and removal. Violations of the provisions of §19-128.1 of the Administrative Code
or these rules shall be enforced and the newsracks shall be removed by the Commissioner
pursuant to provisions of subdivision f of such §19-128.1 and any other applicable provisions of
law. The City shall charge the owner for the cost of removal and storage. The charge for removal
shall be $50 per newsrack. The storage charge shall be $1.40 per newsrack per day.
(h) Notices. All notices of violation required to be served on the owner pursuant to these rules or
§19-128.1 of the Administrative Code shall be served as required by law. Notices of correction
shall be served upon the address provided pursuant to the registration provisions in these rules. In
the absence of the required registration information, service shall be made on the entity identified
on the newsrack or in the publication found in the newsrack.
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Section 2-09
Section 2-09
(a) Compliance with requirements. Owners or builders installing or repairing roadway pavement,
sidewalk and curb in connection with uses other than those requiring a Certificate of Occupancy
(C of O) or letter of completion from the New York City Department of Buildings shall comply with
the following requirements:
(1) The Sidewalk, Curb & Roadway Application (SCARA) and all appropriate forms, plans and
certifications shall be submitted to the Department.
(2) All public infrastructure work shall be designed and installed in compliance with current
highway engineering practice, the latest version of this publication, and the latest versions of
these other Department publications: Standard Specifications, Standard Detail Drawings and
Instructions for Filing Plans & Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalks, Curbs, Roadways and
Other Infrastructure Components.
(b) Professional self-certification.
(1) A property owner may install the required street infrastructure without prior review of the
plan(s) by the Department under a process of professional self-certification. Plan review by the
Department will not be required when a Professional Engineer, Registered Architect or
Registered Landscape Architect self-certifies that the proposed infrastructure work complies
strictly with the requirements of the publications listed above in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a)
of this section.
(2) If a submittal is not professionally self-certified, full Department review and approval must
be obtained before work can begin.
(c) Coordination with capital projects-all city, state and federal agencies and public
authorities. In some cases, the required infrastructure work may be proposed for installation by an
agency or authority under a capital improvement project. It shall be the sole responsibility of every
applicant to examine all capital plans to see whether any such work is planned. If so, the applicant
shall coordinate the improvements with the appropriate agency or authority.
(d) Required submissions.
(1) Every applicant shall submit three (3) original SCARAs (no photocopies) for each project.
See Instructions for Filing Plans & Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalk, Curbs, Roadways
and Other Infrastructure Components.
(2) Every applicant shall submit the following:
(i) The correct Plan Type as required by SCARA.
(ii) The correct Certification Block as required by SCARA.
(iii) Written approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission or the Art Commission
of the City of New York, if applicable (applicant must check to see if the project is in a
landmarked area or historic district).
(iv) Material testing, if required by SCARA.
(v) Maintenance agreement, if required by SCARA.
(vi) Statement of Professional Certification to accompany SCARA (optional).
(e) Waiver.
(1) A property owner may request a waiver of any requirement of the Department.
(2) The request shall be prepared in writing by a professional architect, engineer or landscape
architect and shall have an original seal and signature affixed.
(3) It shall be submitted to the Department's Bureau of Permit Management & Construction
Control.
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Section 2-09
(4) Supplementary materials must be submitted to support the waiver request, such as maps,
drawings, traffic reports, calculations, affidavits, etc. No consideration will be given without
complete and adequate documentation.
(5) A waiver may be granted at the discretion of the Commissioner, except where prohibited by
law.
(f) Sidewalk.
(1) Property owners' responsibility. Property owners shall, at their own cost, install, repave,
reconstruct and maintain in good repair, at all times, the sidewalk abutting their properties,
including, but not limited to the intersection quadrant for corner property, in accordance with
Department requirements. Upon failure of a property owner to install, repave, reconstruct or
repair the sidewalk pursuant to a Notice of Violation issued by the Department after an
inspection, the Department may perform the work or cause it to be performed and shall bill the
property owner pursuant to §19-152 of the New York City Administrative Code. If the property
owner wishes to protest the violation, he/she may make a request at the appropriate borough
office within the time specified in the notice of violation and the Department shall provide a
reinspection by a different departmental inspector than the one who conducted the first
inspection. The findings of the second inspection supersede the findings of the first inspection.
(2) Permit required.
(i) A permit is required to install, repave, reconstruct or repair any sidewalk where the work
involves an area of more than twenty-five square feet. Where the work involves an area of
twenty-five square feet or less, a permit is only required where the purpose of the work is to
remove a violation.
(ii) A sidewalk closing permit shall be required if a minimum width of five feet cannot be
maintained on the sidewalk for unobstructed pedestrian passage.
(iii) An applicant shall file:
(A) An application for a sidewalk construction permit stating the location of the
sidewalk work, including driveway, if applicable, and the start and estimated
completion dates. All subway gratings, utility covers and castings situated in the
sidewalk area which are not at proper grade or are in a dangerous condition shall be
noted in the application;
(B) A plan for the restoration of the sidewalk, approved by the Department of Buildings,
where the existing sidewalk is the structural roof of a vault or other opening.
(iv) An owner of the abutting property who files an affidavit stating therein that he/she will
not employ any person or persons to repair the sidewalk for him/her, shall not be required
to submit a commercial general liability insurance policy or workers' compensation
insurance.
(3) Permit requirements. All permits are subject to applicable provisions contained in §2-02 of
these rules.
(4) General sidewalk requirements.
(i) Except as otherwise authorized, all sidewalks not in C4-4 through C4-7, C5 or C6
commercial districts, as defined in the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York, shall be
of untinted concrete. However, all sidewalks in C4-4 through C4-7, C5 and C6 commercial
districts shall be of pigmented concrete with saw-cut type joints as set forth in the Standard
Specifications. In such commercial districts, any sidewalk installation or replacement
constituting 50 percent or more of the total square footage of sidewalk abutting a property
shall be of pigmented concrete in conformance with the Standard Specifications. For the
purposes of these rules and unless otherwise stated, the word "concrete" shall mean
untinted and pigmented concrete, as applicable. Sidewalks shall consist of a single course
of concrete, 4" in thickness, laid upon a foundation 6" in thickness; in driveways and corner
quadrants the concrete slab shall be 7" in thickness.
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Section 2-09
(ii) The foundation material shall consist of clean 3/4" broken stone, recycled concrete,
gravel or clean granular materials meeting the Standard Specifications and Standard Detail
Drawings. The foundation material shall be tamped and compacted according to the
Standard Specifications.
(iii) The sidewalk shall be constructed of concrete mix as per the Standard Specifications
and Standard Detail Drawings, unless otherwise authorized.
(iv) Sidewalk cores.
(A) Cores shall be required for all sidewalks in excess of 100 lineal feet. A core shall
be required for each 500 square feet of sidewalk or fraction thereof. A minimum of 2
cores is required. Core evaluation reports by an approved laboratory shall be
submitted to the Department.
(B) In the case of a one- or two-family dwelling on a corner lot and/or where the length
of the sidewalk on each side is less than 100 lineal feet, the cores may be waived,
provided that an affidavit of a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect who
supervised the construction certifies that the work conforms to the Standard
Specifications, and material delivery slips are submitted. (Delivery slips are to be
signed by an authorized representative of the contractor.)
(C) If the results of the cores meet the Department's requirements, the applicant shall
file an affidavit from a Licensed Surveyor, Registered Architect or Professional
Engineer certifying that the sidewalk, curb and roadway have been installed in
conformance with the submitted SCARA plan. A final survey showing the actual grades
as built shall be filed with the Department and the topographical Bureau of the office of
the applicable Borough President.
(v) Expansion joints. Expansion joints are typically placed at 20' intervals and at the
property or lot line. Expansion joints shall be placed between curb and sidewalk. Expansion
joints shall be placed between concrete of different thicknesses or to match existing
expansion joints. Every effort shall be made to isolate sidewalk hardware or other fixed
objects in the sidewalk such as fire hydrants and electrical boxes with expansion material.
Expansion joint filler material shall be placed to full depth of sidewalk.
All expansion joints shall be recessed 1/2" below finished sidewalk surface and sealed with
Department specified sealer as soon as practical. The sealer should be applied carefully to
avoid over-spilling onto sidewalk surface area. The joints are to be flush with the finished
surface. Joints shall not be sealed during freezing temperatures.
(vi) The concrete shall be poured and finished in accordance with the Standard
Specifications and Standard Detail Drawings.
(vii) Flags shall be 5'x 5' where feasible. The following methods of scoring shall be
employed unless otherwise approved by the Commissioner. The frontage of each building
shall be divided by five. If it is exactly divisible, all flags shall be 5' wide; if not, the flags
shall be plus or minus in an amount which will make them as near to 5' as possible. Cross
flag scoring shall be at 90 degrees to the building line and curb. The flag markings along
the sidewalk between the curb and property line shall be parallel with the property line and
curb and be uniformly 5' apart commencing at the curb, with the odd flag width, if any,
nearest the property line.
(viii) All flags containing substantial defects shall be fully replaced. Patching of individual
flags is not permitted.
(ix) When an existing concrete sidewalk is to be replaced and the foundation material
meets specifications, the foundation material can be retained and graded to the required
subgrade. Any foundation material not meeting the Standard Specifications and Standard
Detail Drawings shall be removed.
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Section 2-09
(x) Sidewalk grades. Unless the Department grants a waiver of grade, permanent
sidewalks shall be laid to the legal curb grades.
(xi) Transverse slope. Sidewalks shall be laid to pitch from the building line toward the
curb except in special cases as noted. The minimum slope, calculated on a line
perpendicular to the curb, shall be 1" in 5', and the maximum shall be 3" in 5'. Minimum
slopes shall be used wherever possible.
Note: The maximum transverse slope permitted for vault lights, covers, gratings and other
sidewalk structures is 13/4" in 5'.
(xii) Longitudinal slope. The longitudinal slope of the sidewalk shall be uniform and
parallel to the curb at the curb's proper grade.
(xiii) Corner treatment. The two slope lines meeting at the intersection of the two building
lines shall drop from a common point at the building corner toward their respective curbs at
a rate within the limits prescribed by these regulations. If this is not possible, the applicant
shall submit sketches or drawings, in duplicate, showing the method of treatment proposed,
to the Commissioner for approval.
(xiv) Pedestrian ramps. Any person constructing, reconstructing or repairing a corner shall
install pedestrian ramps in accordance with the the Standard Specifications and in
accordance with the latest revision of Standard Detail Drawing #H-1011.
(xv) Adjoining existing and new sidewalks. Junctions and transitions between new
sidewalk and existing sidewalk shall conform to the Standard Specifications and Standard
Detail Drawings.
(xvi) Distinctive sidewalk.
(A) A sidewalk of a distinctive design or material may be permitted and shall
harmonize with the architecture of the abutting building and/or area. The property
owner or designated representative shall contact the Department and submit to the
Department for approval: detailed design plans, applicable fee, a duly executed
Distinctive Sidewalk Improvement Maintenance Agreement (DSIMA) and material
samples of the proposed sidewalk.
(B) The distinctive sidewalk shall be approved by the Public Design Commission of
the City of New York prior to installation.
(C) The distinctive sidewalk shall be repaired in kind or replaced in its entirety with
concrete. If a distinctive sidewalk is replaced in its entirety with concrete, the Public
Design Commission of the City of New York shall approve of such replacement prior
to its replacement. Changes to existing materials shall require a new DSIMA.
(xvii) Sidewalk hardware and structures.
(A) Cellar doors, gratings, underground street access covers or other similar items
shall not be placed in the sidewalk unless they are of a type approved by the
Department of Buildings.
(B) Any abandoned structures shall be removed and replaced with concrete side-
walk.
(C) Where the existing sidewalk is the structural roof of a vault or other opening, a
plan approved by the Department of Buildings, along with vault plans as required by
§2-13 of these rules, shall be filed for the restoration of the sidewalk.
(D) If a sidewalk improvement is in the vicinity of subway gratings or over a subway
structure, the permittee shall obtain the approval of the New York City Transit
Authority prior to the commencement of any work.
(xviii) Historic Districts.
(A) In Historic Districts, property owners shall obtain written approval from the
Landmarks Preservation Commission prior to the repair or replacement of
sidewalks. All work shall be done in compliance with the rules of the Landmarks
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(ii) Where the length of roadway pavement is less than 100 lineal feet, the requirement of
cores may be waived provided that an affidavit of a Professional Engineer or Registered
Architect who supervised the construction certifies that the work conforms to the Standard
Specifications, and material delivery slips are submitted. (Delivery slips are to be signed by
an authorized representative of the contractor.)
(iii) If the results of the cores meet the Department's requirements, the applicant shall file
an affidavit from a Licensed Surveyor, Registered Architect or Professional Engineer
certifying that the sidewalk, curb and roadway have been installed in conformance with the
legally established grades as built under the terms of the permit. A final survey showing the
actual grades as built shall be filed with the Department's borough office and the
Topographical Bureau of the office of the applicable Borough President.
(4) The Department will issue a letter of acceptance for maintenance subject to the guarantee
period of the roadway pavement, to the builder or developer if the roadway pavement meets
the requirement of the permit and the Standard Specifications.
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Commissioner may issue a permit for a flood mitigation system to be placed on a sidewalk or
roadway, except where such system is a permitted encroachment pursuant to chapter 32 of the
New York City Building Code.
(ii) Except in the case of a public service corporation facility, the Commissioner will only
issue a permit pursuant to this section to an applicant:
(A) for the protection of a building or a portion of a building erected prior to January
8, 2015 or where a lawful building permit is issued by the Department of Buildings
for the erection of such building prior to January 8, 2016; or
(B) for the protection of a building or portion of a building located within an area of
special flood hazard, as such term is defined in section G201.2 of Appendix G of the
New York City Building Code.
(iii) Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of these or any other rules, for the
purposes of this subdivision, the general conditions in Section 7-06 of this title shall
apply to flood mitigation systems.
(iv) Prior approvals. As a condition of applying for a permit pursuant to this paragraph,
the applicant must submit to the Department evidence of the following prior approvals:
(A) Applicants shall provide evidence of approvals or of no objection obtained from
the New York City Department of Buildings and the New York City Fire Department,
and shall submit such evidence to the Department.
(B) Applicants must submit to the Department for review and approval a flood
mitigation system plan (“Flood Mitigation Plan”). The Flood Mitigation Plan must
explain how the flood mitigation system will operate and demonstrate compliance
with the general conditions set forth in Section 7-06 of this title, including but not
limited to the clear path requirements set forth in Section 7-06(c)(3), as described in
clause c of this subparagraph. The Department will notify the applicant in writing
whether the Flood Mitigation Plan has been approved or rejected and whether
additional information is required for approval. The Department will consult with the
Department of Environmental Protection and any other agency the Department
deems necessary or desirable regarding an application for a permit for a flood
mitigation system prior to its approval of such application. Approval of a Flood
Mitigation Plan may be suspended or revoked by the Department at any time. If
approval is suspended or revoked pursuant to this paragraph, the Department will
notify the applicant in writing, stating its reasons for such action.
(C) Clear Path Requirements.
(1) Permittees have a continuing obligation to comply with the clear path
requirements set forth in Section 7-06(c)(3) of this title. Applicants for a permit
pursuant to this paragraph must demonstrate compliance with such clear path
requirements. In the event that field conditions will not allow for a flood
mitigation system, once installed, to comply with such clear path requirements,
the applicant shall cause a New York State Licensed Professional Engineer to
produce and submit to the Department for review and approval, an authorized
compliance plan for the maintenance and protection of traffic to assist
motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others to proceed around the obstructed
path (“Compliance Plan”). Permittees shall comply with the Compliance Plan at
all times that a permit is in effect.
(2) In the event that a flood mitigation system, once installed, will no longer
comply with the clear path requirements set forth in Section 7-06(c)(3) of this
title due to a change in conditions since the Flood Mitigation Plan was
approved, the applicant shall notify the Department no less than ten days after
the applicant knew or should have known of such changed condition. The
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The illustration below includes suggested examples of how the proposed area of excavation
should be marked by using a continuous line, dots marking a radius or arc, or dashes.
(2) All work shall be done in accordance with the Standard Specifications, Standard Detail
Drawings and the provisions of this §2-11.
(3) All debris on the street shall be removed at the expiration of the permit, unless otherwise
stipulated.
(d) Application.
(1) Applications shall include:
(i) a description of the work to be performed;
(ii) the reason for the work;
(iii) the street address including the nearest cross streets where the excavation or street
opening is to be made;
(iv) a sketch indicating the size and location of the proposed opening(s) which shall include:
(A) the distance in feet from the nearest intersection and from the nearest curbline;
(B) the dimensions of the opening including length and width; and
(C) the existing parking restrictions.
(v) the start and estimated completion dates;
(vi) the type of pavement or surface to be opened;
(vii) whether the proposed work will be on a protected street (if so, the provisions of the
subdivision (f) of this section apply);
(viii) the name and address of the compaction testing company or laboratory, as required;
(ix) the name of the contracting City agency, contract number, and OCMC reference
number, if applicable; and
(x) whether the proposed work will be within 100 feet on, above or below or in either
direction of any portion of a bridge, tunnel, underpass or overpass (if so, approval from the
Division of Bridges shall be obtained). For purposes of this section "portion" shall include,
but not be limited to, approach slabs, retaining walls, and column supports. The method of
excavation and final restoration shall be determined by the Division of Bridges.
(2) No trees within the sidewalk area shall be disturbed or removed without the permission of
the Department of Parks and Recreation.
(3) A permittee performing curb to curb restoration on more than fifty (50) percent of a block
segment on a non-protected street shall submit a protected street determination form to the
Department for approval prior to obtaining any necessary permits. Such form shall be attached
to the permit application. This requirement shall not apply to permittees performing work for the
Department or for the Department of Design and Construction.
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(5) Temporary Closing of Sidewalks. A minimum of five feet sidewalk width of unobstructed
pedestrian passageway shall be maintained at all times. Where openings and excavations do
not allow for five feet of unobstructed pedestrian passageway, a temporary sidewalk closing
permit is required.
(6) Work Site Maintenance.
(i) All excavated material shall be either removed from the site or stockpiled at a designated
curb, properly barricaded pursuant to §2-02(h) of these rules and stored to keep gutters
clear and unobstructed in accordance with §2-05 of these rules.
(ii) All obstructions on the street shall be protected by barricades, fencing, or railing, with
flags, lights, or signs placed pursuant to §2-02(h) of these rules at proper intervals and
during the hours prescribed. During twilight hours the flags shall be replaced with amber
lights.
(7) Storage of Materials.
(i) A street opening permit includes permission to store construction materials in a
designated area adjacent to the permitted worksite only during permitted hours. Storing
materials after permitted hours shall require a separate permit.
(ii) No separate permit shall be required for the storage of equipment, excluding cranes, in
a designated area in compliance with any applicable stipulations on the permit.
(iii) The designated storage area(s) are subject to review and approval by OCMC.
(8) Backfill and Compaction.
(i) Upon completion of repairs in a street, permittees shall backfill street openings and
excavations in a manner in accordance with the Standard Specifications and Standard
Detail Drawings. All materials used for backfill shall be free from bricks, blocks, excavated
pavement materials and/or organic material or other debris. Notwithstanding the above,
asphalt millings may be used as a backfill material.
(ii) Backfill material shall be deposited in horizontal layers not exceeding twelve inches in
thickness prior to compaction. A minimum of ninety-five percent of Standard Proctor
Maximum Density will be required after compaction.
(iii) When placing fill or backfill around pipes, layers shall be deposited to progressively
bury the pipe to equal depths on both sides. Backfill immediately adjacent to pipes and
conduits shall not contain particles larger than three inches in diameter.
(iv) Compaction shall be attained by the use of impact rammers, plate or small drum
vibrators, or pneumatic button head compaction equipment. Hand tamping shall not be
permitted except in the immediate area of the underground facility, where it shall be lightly
hand tamped with as many strokes as required to achieve maximum density. The definition
of the "immediate area" shall be a maximum of eighteen inches from the facility.
(v) Where sheeting has been used for the excavation it shall be pulled when the excavation
has been filled or backfilled to the maximum unsupported depth allowed by the New York
State Department of Labor, Industrial Code Rule 23 and Title 29, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. Where a difference
exists between regulations, the more stringent requirements shall apply.
(vi) As a measure of maximum density achieved for restoration, the pavement surface shall
not sink more than two inches from the surrounding existing surface during the life of the
restoration. More than two inches of settlement shall be deemed a failure of the compaction
of the backfill and cause the removal of said backfill to the subsurface facility and new fill
installed and properly compacted.
(vii) The permittee shall be required to supply a tester certified by a professional engineer,
or certified by other methods as authorized by the Commissioner, on all street openings to
perform compaction tests. The permittee shall also be required to maintain copies of all in-
process compaction reports certified by a Professional Engineer as to the compliance with
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the aforementioned backfill requirements set forth within this section. The certified
compaction report shall be maintained for every street opening and shall be available upon
request by the Commissioner for the duration of the guarantee period.
(9) Temporary Asphaltic Pavement.
(i) Immediately upon completion of the compaction of the backfill of any street opening, the
permittee shall install a temporary pavement of an acceptable asphalt paving mixture not
less than four inches in thickness after compaction, flush with the adjacent surfaces.
(ii) The permittee has the option of installing full depth pavement using an acceptable
asphalt paving mixture immediately upon completion of the compaction of the backfill,
excluding reconstructed protected streets and full-depth concrete roadways.
(iii) Upon the expiration of the permit, all equipment, construction materials and debris shall
be removed from the site, unless otherwise stipulated.
(iv) When final restoration is to be done, the materials are to be removed with hand tools to
a depth necessary to accomplish the final restoration.
(10) Plating and Decking.
(i) All plating and decking installed by the permittee shall be made safe for vehicles and/or
pedestrians and shall be adequate to carry the load.
(ii) The size of the plate or decking must extend a minimum of 12 inches beyond the edge
of the trench, be firmly placed to prevent rocking, and be sufficiently ramped, covering all
edges of the steel plates to provide smooth riding and safe condition.
(iii) All plating and decking shall be fastened by splicing, spiking, pinning, countersinking or
otherwise protected to prevent movement. When the plates are removed all pins and spikes
must be removed and the holes must be filled with a fine asphalt concrete mix.
(iv) Where deflection is more than 3/4", heavier sections of plates or decking or intermediate
supports shall be installed.
(v) All permittees who install plating and decking during the winter moratorium, as
determined by the Department, shall post signs at the site indicating "Steel Plates Ahead"
or "Raise Plow" and countersink said plates flush to the level of the roadway. All signs shall
comply with all applicable requirements pursuant to §2-02(h) of these rules. These signs
shall be placed on the sidewalk, adjacent to the curb, facing vehicle traffic five feet prior to
the plates. On two-way streets, signs shall be placed on both sides of the street five feet
prior to the plates.
(vi) All plating and decking shall have a skid-resistant surface equal to or greater than the
adjacent existing street or roadway surface.
(vii) All plating and decking, including the ramping material, must be removed from the
roadway and/or sidewalk after completion of the final restoration or prior to the expiration of
the permit.
(viii) All plating and decking must identify the name of the owner of such plating or
decking. Identification must be made by welding or stamping the name of the owner onto
the plating or decking. In addition to the name of the owner, the name of the permittee must
be welded, stamped or painted onto plating or decking not owned by the permittee.
(11) Base.
(i) Concrete and asphalt base material and base restorations shall conform to the Standard
Specifications and Standard Detail Drawings.
(ii) Concrete base shall be properly plated except where other stipulations have been
granted in writing by OCMC.
(iii) Concrete for base shall be plated in a driving lane and intersections or barricaded
pursuant to §2-02(h) of these rules in a parking lane for a minimum of three days to permit
proper cure of concrete, unless otherwise specified by the Department.
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(iv) Hot asphalt binder materials may not be used in place of concrete. All concrete-base
roadways must be restored with concrete of the same depth and at least the same strength
as the original base concrete.
(v) The concrete base shall be restored at the same grade as the existing base; at no time
may it be brought up to the asphalt course unless authorization has been granted by the
Commissioner.
(vi) At no time will asphalt other than binder be permitted as a base course, unless
otherwise authorized by the Commissioner. Binder shall be installed and compacted in a
maximum of four (4") inch lifts.
(vii) Conduit or pipes shall be installed at a minimum depth of 18 inches from the surface of
the roadway, or below the base, whichever is greater. Where conduits and pipes cannot be
installed at the required minimum depth, protective plating shall be installed over the
facilities.
(viii) All hot asphalt binder based restorations or any form of temporary restoration must be
flush with the surrounding pavement until the wearing course is installed. Binder based
restorations must be removed to a depth of two (2") inches prior to installing the wearing
course.
(12) Wearing Course.
(i) Wearing course material shall conform to the Standard Specifications and Standard
Detail Drawings.
(ii) The finished grade of the wearing course shall be flush with surrounding pavement on
all sides of the cut. The final wearing course shall conform to the Standard Specifications
and Standard Detail Drawings. In the event a permanent restoration pavement installed
settles more than two inches (2") below the surrounding existing surface during the life of
the guarantee period, this shall be deemed a failure of the backfill compaction, in which
case the permittee shall remove all of the failed backfill, down to the subsurface facility, and
install new, properly compacted backfill.
(iii) The minimum thickness of the wearing course on full depth asphalt restoration shall be
two inches (2").
(iv) When more than one roadway opening is made against a single permit and the
openings are less than three feet apart after the required cutbacks, the existing wearing
course between such openings shall be restored integrally with the opening wearing course
restoration, in accordance with the applicable Standard Detail Drawing #H-1042.
(v) When a street opening is twelve inches or less from the curb, the entire pavement
between the opening and the curb shall be excavated and replaced in kind, in accordance
with the applicable Standard Detail Drawing #H-1042. The pavement base shall be
inspected and repaired where necessary and a new wearing course shall be installed from
the curb to the street opening. The areas described above shall be included in the
permittee's guarantee.
(vi) Whenever any street is excavated, the permittee shall restore such street in kind as to
material type, color, finish or distinctive design.
(vii) Pavements shall be restored in kind in designated historic districts and on streets
constructed with cobblestones or other distinctive pavements, or as directed by the
Commissioner.
(viii) The wearing course shall be properly sealed completely at the edges of the cut with
liquid asphaltic cement ironed in with a heated smoothing iron or by means of infrared
treatment to prevent water seepage into the pavement. The sealant applied to the wearing
course must be properly maintained throughout the life of the guarantee period.
(ix) Permittees shall be required to obtain a permit for any changes to, or installation of
temporary roadway pavement markings and temporary construction, parking or regulatory
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signs and supports, including, but not limited to, crosswalks and lane lines. Unless
otherwise directed by the Commissioner, all roadway pavement markings, including but not
limited to, crosswalks and lane lines, and any parking or regulatory signs or supports shall
be replaced in kind in accordance with the Standard Specifications. All construction signs
and supports and pavement markings shall be removed prior to the expiration of the permit.
(x) Final (permanent) restorations shall be completed prior to the expiration of the permit.
During winter months, temporary asphalt and pavement markings shall be placed at the
expiration of the permit and maintained until such time as the final restoration may be
completed.
(xi) All trenches must have a minimum opening width of eighteen inches (18”). The trench
must be restored in accordance with Standard Detail Drawing # H-1042.
(xii) Any permittee performing work on a street pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (d)
of this section shall notify the Department within twenty-four (24) hours of the completion of
the work on the same protected street determination form as submitted with the permit
application pursuant to such paragraph (3) of subdivision (d) of this section.
(13) Concrete Pavements.
(i) When street openings are made in concrete pavements, the pavements shall be saw cut
full depth for the entire perimeter of the street opening.
(ii) The concrete restoration shall have the same depth, strength and finish as the original
pavement.
(iii) The restoration area shall be plated and maintained until enough strength has
developed to sustain traffic without deleterious effect to the roadway.
(iv) Reinforcing shall be replaced in kind and spliced in compliance with the Standard
Specifications and Standard Detail Drawing #H-1042.
(v) Asphalt restorations will not be permitted in concrete streets or concrete bus stop areas.
(vi) All restorations shall conform to the applicable Standard Detail Drawing # H-1042 or to
a standard as determined by the Department.
(14) Color Coding.
(i) At each excavation, the permittee shall either paint temporary circles or install permanent
colored markers as required in this paragraph, for the purpose of easily identifying the
permittee's openings and restorations.
(ii) If the work is not complete, upon leaving the site the permittee shall paint three inch (3")
circles adjacent to the cut, in the area closest to the curb line, in accordance with the
placement and color requirements as specified below.
(iii) Upon completion of the restoration, the permittee shall install colored markers as
specified below, unless another method is approved by the Department. Permittees shall be
required to maintain these markers throughout the guarantee period.
(iv) Placement of Coding and Markers.
(A) Permanent markers shall be imbedded at zero grade tolerance, or slightly
below, in the new asphalt or concrete without the use of nails and shall be of one
piece construction.
(B) For cuts or trenches ten feet (10') or less, one temporary painted circle or
permanent colored marker shall be placed in the linear center of the cut.
(C) For cuts or trenches up to fifty feet (50'), one temporary painted circle or
permanent colored marker shall be placed at each end of the excavation.
(D) For cuts or trenches over fifty feet (50'), temporary painted circles or permanent
colored markers shall be placed every twenty-five (25) linear feet maximum and one
shall be placed at each end of the excavation.
(v) Such markers shall be in the shape of a circle measuring between one and one-half
inches (11/2") and three-inches (3") in diameter, color-coded as specified below, and shall
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include only the permittee's five-digit identification number and the two-digit year, unless
other information is approved by the Department. The two-digit year shall be placed in the
center of the marker, and the five-digit identification number shall be placed above the two-
digit year.
(vi) Such markers shall also be UV-stable and designed not to fade significantly.
(vii) Color codes shall be assigned through Quality Control Procedure Q.P. 3 for permittees
other than those listed below. Final pavement markers may be used as an alternative to
color codes provided such use is approved by the Department.
(A) Verizon-Cherry red marker
(B) Empire City Subway-Chrome yellow marker
(C) Consolidated Edison Co.-Light blue marker
(D) Keyspan-White marker
(E) Plumbers (water or sewer)-Green marker
(F) Signals and Street Lights-Orange marker
(G) Long Island Power Authority-Yellow marker
(H) Metropolitan Transit Authority-Purple marker
(I) Buckeye Pipe Line-Chrome yellow marker
(J) Fire Department-Purple marker
(K) Cable T.V.-Regal blue marker
(15) Quality Control Program Requirement for Roadways.
(i) All permittees engaged in street openings, shall complete the work so as to provide
smooth riding surfaces throughout the guarantee period on their respective restorations.
(ii) A documented quality history of restoration shall be maintained by the responsible
permittee. This information should show that inspections are made at some optimum
intervals to assure conformance to the guarantee.
(iii) Quality Control Program information shall be made available to the Bureau upon
request.
(iv) The use of experimental methods or materials may be authorized under selective
conditions, upon application to the Bureau for approval prior to use on the City streets.
(v) Any permittee may file a proposed Quality Control Program with the Commissioner for
approval. The Commissioner may waive any of the foregoing requirements as part of an
approved program of Quality Control. Any waiver so granted shall remain in effect as long
as the approved program is implemented in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner or
until the Commissioner's approval is rescinded.
(16) Other Requirements.
(i) Street Opening Location Form ("Cutforms")
(A) Permittees shall maintain a street opening location form ("cutform") at their office
and shall provide this form to the department upon request. Such cutform shall
include the following information:
1. a sketch showing the exact dimensions and location of the restored area, and a
description of the opening or trench defined by distance in feet from the nearest
intersection and from the nearest curbline;
2. the street opening permit number;
3. the date of completion of the final restoration;
4. the name of the final pavement restoration contractor; and
5. a compaction report certified by a New York State licensed professional engineer.
(B) Failure to submit a cutform upon request may jeopardize future permit requests
and may subject permittees to summonses.
(ii) Guarantee period. Permittees shall be responsible for permanent restoration and
maintenance of street openings and excavations for a period of three years on unprotected
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streets, and up to five years on protected streets commencing on the restoration completion
date. This period shall be the guarantee period.
(iii) Permittees shall comply with all applicable sections of these rules, the Standard
Specifications, the Standard Detail Drawings, and all other applicable laws or rules.
(f) Excavations and Street Openings in Protected Streets. No street opening activity shall be
allowed, except for emergency work or as authorized by the Commissioner, in a protected street
for a period of five years from the completion of the street improvement. In addition to this
subdivision (f), all provisions of §2-11 shall apply to protected streets.
(1) Permit Issuance. No permit to use or open any street, except for emergency work, shall be
issued to any person within a five year period after the completion of the construction of a
capital project relating to such street requiring resurfacing or reconstruction unless such person
demonstrates that the need for the work could not have reasonably been anticipated prior to or
during such construction. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, the Commissioner may
issue a permit to open a street within such five year period upon a finding of necessity therefor.
(2) Conditions.
(i) Permittees shall be responsible for contacting the Department of Design and
Construction to determine whether a street is scheduled to be rebuilt under a street
reconstruction project. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, a permittee performing
emergency work need not contact such Department.
(ii) A permittee who has obtained a street opening permit on a protected street must also
obtain a confirmation number for each such permit, prior to the expiration of the permit. The
permittee must request and obtain such confirmation number through the Department’s
website (www.nyc.gov/dot) or other Department-approved method. A permittee
commencing restoration work on a protected street must also request and obtain such
confirmation number subject to the additional requirements contained in §2-11(f)(4)(i) of
these rules.
(3) Application.
(i) Permittees shall include on the application the justification for any street opening
activities on protected streets.
(ii) The permittee shall attach the "Protected Street Opening Permit Application
Attachment" to the Street Opening permit application prior to obtaining the permit.
(4) Restorations.
(i) No backfill of any opening or excavation on a protected street shall be performed unless
the permittee who has obtained a street opening permit also obtains a confirmation number
notifying the Department of such restoration work. The permittee must obtain such
confirmation number at least two hours prior to the scheduled start time for the backfill
except as otherwise authorized by the Commissioner. The permittee must request and
obtain such confirmation number pursuant to §2-11(f)(2)(ii) of these rules. In no case shall
the permittee commence the backfill prior to the scheduled start time. In addition, during
the backfill and compaction phase of the work, the permittee must provide, on site, a
certified compaction technician from an approved laboratory to test that the compaction of
the backfill is in accordance with the Department's rules and Standard Specifications. No
base or wearing course of any opening or excavation on a protected street shall be
performed unless the permittee obtains a separate and additional confirmation number
pursuant to §2-11(f)(2)(ii) of these rules or submits its daily paving schedule to the
Department via e-mail or other Department-approved method prior to commencing work.
The daily paving schedule must conform to the Department’s requirements and must
include but not be limited to the permittee name, location of the work (on, to and from
street), permit number(s), and proposed start time.
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(ii) The Department may inspect any phase of the work, including but not limited to, initial
excavation, backfill and compaction, performance of required cut backs, and final
restoration.
(iii) A certification issued by a New York State licensed professional engineer shall be
provided to the Department within thirty days of completion of work on protected streets.
The certification shall state that the type of work performed was as described in the permit
application, and that all phases of the restoration were performed in accordance with
Department rules, Standard Specifications and Standard Detail Drawings. Upon demand by
the Department or as directed by the Commissioner, the permittee shall furnish copies of in-
process compaction reports certified by a Professional Engineer as to the compliance with
the backfill requirements set forth within this section. All records must be kept by the
permittee and made available to the Department for the duration of the guarantee period.
(iv) Permittees shall be responsible for the proper repair of the street opening or excavation
for a period of three years from the date of completion or for the duration of the protected
street guarantee period, whichever is longer.
(v) All restorations shall conform to applicable Standard Detail Drawing # H-1042 or to a
standard as determined by the Department.
(vi) Where street openings cannot be confined to within 8 feet of the curb line, including the
required cut back, and/or within the sidewalk area and where protected street status has
been in effect for 18 months or less, the permittee shall restore the street opening or
excavation pursuant to the Department’s protected street restoration requirements, unless
otherwise directed by the Commissioner.
(vii) The permanent restoration shall be flushed with the surrounding pavement on all sides
of the restoration. In the event a permanent restoration pavement installed in violation of the
provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (4) settles more than two inches (2") below
the surrounding existing surface during the life of the guarantee period, this shall be
deemed a failure of the backfill compaction, in which case, the permittee shall remove all of
the failed backfill, down to the subsurface facility, and install new, properly compacted
backfill.
(g) Emergency Street Openings and Excavations.
(1) Permit Requirements.
(i) No person shall perform emergency work without obtaining an emergency number from
the Department. Permittees shall fax the Emergency Street Opening Permit request form to
the Department's Emergency Authorization Unit to obtain an emergency permit number,
unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner.
(ii) An emergency permit number may be requested only for emergency work performed on
existing services. An emergency permit number shall not be obtained for work to be
performed pursuant to a CAR.
(2) Conditions.
(i) A permittee shall begin emergency work within two hours after obtaining an emergency
permit number.
(ii) A permittee shall perform emergency work on an around-the-clock basis until the
emergency is eliminated, unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner. Once the
emergency is eliminated on a critical roadway listed in subdivision (c) of §2-07 of these
rules, the permittee shall suspend work, restore the full width of the roadway and resume
work, if necessary, during the nonrestricted hours indicated in that subdivision. Such
resumption of work shall only be undertaken within the 48-hour duration of the emergency
permit number. A permittee working with an emergency number on a roadway other than a
critical roadway may suspend or resume work at any time within the 48-hour period covered
by the emergency number.
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Section 2-11
(iii) No more than one lane of traffic may be obstructed, however, if an emergency street
opening is larger than 8 feet by 10 feet, permittee may occupy up to a maximum of 12 feet
on one side of the opening and a maximum of 6 feet on the other side.
(iv) All unattended street openings or excavations in a driving lane, including intersections,
shall be plated, except as otherwise directed by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may
require all street openings and excavations at any location to be plated when no work is in
progress. In the case of gas or steam leaks, barricades shall be used pursuant to §2-02(h)
of these rules until the leak is corrected.
(v) Barricades, signs, lights and other approved safety devices shall be displayed pursuant
to §2-02(h) of these rules.
(vi) A minimum of five feet sidewalk width of unobstructed pedestrian passageway shall be
maintained at all times. Where openings and excavations do not allow for five feet of
unobstructed pedestrian passageway, pedestrians shall be directed by signs to the
opposite sidewalk.
(vii) No private vehicles shall be kept within the work area.
(viii) A permittee shall submit an application for a regular permit, and for Landmarks
Preservation Commission permits if applicable, within two business days of receiving an
emergency permit number.
(ix) Restorations shall be made with in-kind materials.
(x) Emergency work in the African Burial Ground and Commons Historic District areas,
requires the permittee excavate with utmost caution and the permittee shall not remove any
excavation or debris from the site prior to Landmarks Preservation Commission's review of
the excavation.
(xi) If any emergency street opening results in a width of less than 11 feet in each direction
for vehicular traffic, this shall be deemed a full roadway closure. In such case, the Police
Department, the Communication Centers of the Fire Department and the Department of
Transportation shall be notified simultaneously with the closing.
(xii) Emergency permit numbers shall be kept on site and shall be presented upon the
request of any police officer or other City employee authorized by the Commissioner to
enforce these rules. Any additional information regarding the emergency work that is
requested at the site by a Department inspector shall be provided by the permittee and/or
the persons performing such work.
(xiii) Flagpeople. Unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner, permittees whose work
results in the closing of a moving traffic lane and requires traffic to be temporarily diverted
to a travel lane in the opposite direction, shall, at all times while actively working at the site,
post a flagperson or flagpersons or utilize an authorized plan for the maintenance and
protection of traffic at the point where traffic is diverted to assist motorists, bicyclists, and
pedestrians to proceed around the obstructed lane.
(xiv) All permittees shall comply with the provisions of subdivision (g) of §2-02 of these
rules, if applicable.
(3) Application. When applying for an emergency permit number by fax, a permittee shall
submit all information required by the Department. This information includes, but is not limited
to, the following:
(i) Name of permittee
(ii) Permittee ID #
(iii) Location of emergency (including borough)
(iv) Type of emergency (including interruption of service)
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Section 2-12
VACANT LOTS
(a) Property owners' responsibility. Whenever the Commissioner shall so order or direct,
property owners shall, at their own expense:
(1) fence any vacant lot(s);
(2) fill any sunken lot(s) in compliance with §2-06 or other requirements of these rules;
(3) cut down any raised lot(s) in accordance with the Standard Specificatoons and §2-02 of
these rules.
(b) Failure to comply. Upon the property owner's failure to comply with the requirements of
paragraph (a), above, the Department may perform the work or cause it to be performed, the cost
of which, together with the administrative expenses, shall constitute a debt recoverable from the
owner by lien on the property affected, pursuant to §19-152 of the Administrative Code.
(c) Reinspection. Upon request of the property owner to the appropriate borough office, the
Department shall provide a reinspection by a different departmental inspector than the one who
conducted the first inspection.
(d) Permit requirements. The property owner shall obtain a permit from the Department before
performing any work pursuant to this section. All permits are subject to applicable provisions
contained in §2-02 of these rules.
77
Section 2-13
VAULTS
(a) Vault defined. A vault is any opening below the surface of the street and outside the property
line that is covered over.
(b) Exceptions. This §2-13 shall not apply to:
(1) Openings that are used exclusively as places for egress or ingress by means of steps to the
cellar or basement of any building.
(2) Openings that are used primarily for light and ventilation.
(3) Openings constructed or maintained by utility companies, which are regulated under a
separate agreement with the City.
(4) Subways, railroads and related structures that are controlled by a public authority.
(c) License required. A license shall be obtained prior to construction of a new vault or
enlargement of an existing vault. A revocable consent shall be required for any vault that extends
further than the line of the sidewalk or curbstone of any street.
(d) Permit required. No vault shall be constructed, altered or repaired unless a street opening
permit is obtained from the Department upon payment of the established fee.
(e) Applications.
(1) All applicants for a license and/or permit to construct, maintain, alter or repair a vault shall
file a written application signed by the applicant, stating the dimensions of the vault, the number
of square feet required and four 81/2" × 14" cloth copies of a plan. For existing vault repairs,
blueprints may be submitted in lieu of cloth copies of the plan at the discretion of the
Commissioner. Plans shall include:
(i) The address and the tax lot and block number of the vault property location.
(ii) The distance from the lot property line to the nearest corner property line.
(iii) All frontages, lot lines, and line of building abutting the street.
(iv) All distances from the lot line to the existing curb line (existing width of sidewalk).
(v) The dimensions of the vault at the outer perimeter of the walls, the depth of the vault,
and the composition and thickness of the vault walls (top and cross sections).
(vi) Location of all existing or proposed steps, gratings, open areas, coal
holes/chutes/slides, entrances, cellar doors, building encroachments, and all other
installations in the sidewalk area.
(vii) Details and location of all manhole access covers to a boiler or underground tank, to
be installed in accordance with the specifications.
(viii) Approved Department of Buildings plan.
(ix) For existing vaults, verification of annual vault charge return.
(x) For a new vault or an enlargement of an existing vault, a copy of the license agreement
filed with the Division of Franchises, Concessions and Consents of the Department.
(2) All applicants shall comply with the requirements of §2-02 of these rules.
(f) Adjustments to license fee. When subsequent measurements indicate that more or less space
has been taken for the construction of a vault than that originally paid for, an adjustment of fees
shall be made pursuant to §19-117(e) and (f) of the Administrative Code.
(g) Limitations. No vault shall extend closer than seven feet to the established curb line unless
otherwise authorized by the Commissioner. Such authorization may be granted based upon:
(1) Special conditions cited by the applicant and,
(2) Additional construction requirements, including, but not limited to:
(i) A waterproofed recess in the vault roof adequate to receive a standard curb for the entire
length at which the curb may be set or reset in accordance with the Standard Specifications
78
Section 2-13
and Standard Detail Drawings relating to sidewalk width even in cases where the existing or
proposed sidewalk width does not conform to that standard width.
(ii) A strengthening of the vault roof to sustain live loads of six hundred pounds or more per
square foot.
(iii) Adequate waterproofed recesses to accommodate existing or proposed street lights,
hydrants, traffic signals and other street appurtenances to the Department's standard
sidewalk width even in cases where the existing or proposed curb line does not conform to
that standard width.
(h) Curb. No vault shall extend beyond the established line of the curb.
(i) Arched or covered vault. No new vault is to be arched or covered unless the owner or
applicant shall have had the vault first measured by a duly licensed surveyor who shall deliver to
the Department a certificate signed by him or her specifying the area of the vault, together with a
diagram showing the dimensions thereof, including its sustaining walls, the location of the vault in
relation to the building, curb line, and the nearest street corner intersection, the house number, the
tax lot and the block numbers of the plot and all details as to sidewalk covering; in the case of an
existing vault, the person claiming the right to the use thereof shall furnish a similar certificate and
diagram, except that in such case the measurement shall exclude the sustaining walls if it is
impracticable for the surveyor to measure the thickness. See §19-117(d) of the Administrative
Code.
(j) Hoistway openings. No opening in the sidewalk area shall be constructed for the
accommodation of any elevator or lift, whether manually or power operated. Existing hoistway
openings in the sidewalk may be continued but shall not be enlarged in buildings erected before
July first nineteen hundred fifty-seven, provided such openings are equipped with approved type
doors located flush with the sidewalk and equipped with elevators. These hoistway openings with
elevators may be relocated provided the total number of sidewalk elevators serving the building is
not increased. Relocated elevators may not project more than five feet from the building line into
the sidewalk area.
(k) Boiler room exit. An exit in the sidewalk area may be constructed and maintained above a
steam boiler room. The door over such exit shall be three feet parallel to the building line and two
feet at right angles thereto. The cover shall be adjacent to the building line and shall be hinged on
the side nearest the curb allowing for it to be open slightly less than ninety degrees with the
horizontal. An iron ladder permanently fixed in position shall be installed.
(l) Sidewalks over vaults.
(1) A concrete sidewalk of four inch minimum thickness shall be installed over the structural
roof slab of the vault and in conjunction with the structural roof slab shall be able to sustain a
minimum live load of six hundred pounds per square foot, in accordance with the Standard
Specifications and Standard Detail Drawings. In no case shall the new sidewalk serve as the
structural roof of the vault.
(2) The licensee shall be responsible for repairing and maintaining the sidewalk covering the
roof of a vault in a safe condition. The Commissioner may order a licensee to repair defects in
vault coverings, including defective sidewalk flags, in accordance with subdivision (b) of §19-
151 of the Administrative Code.
(m) Doors and gratings.
(1) All gratings or doors covering openings or roofs of vaults on the sidewalk shall be so
constructed as to sustain a minimum live load of six hundred pounds per square foot.
(2) Doors and gratings in sidewalk are not permitted in front of any entrances, including
building, store and delivery.
(3) All doors and grating and related hardware shall be flush with the sidewalk.
(4) Door and grating material and design shall be approved by the Department of Buildings.
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Section 2-13
(n) Defective covers. The Commissioner may order defective vault covers, doors, gratings and
adjacent areas which are broken or present a slippery surface to be made safe immediately by the
owner and replaced in accordance with the Standard Specifications, Standard Detail Drawings and
subdivision (b) of §19-151 of the New York City Administrative Code.
(o) Abandoned vaults. The Commissioner may order the vault licensee and/or the owner of the
premises to fill in an abandoned vault in accordance with subdivision (b) of §19-151 of the New
York City Administrative Code as hereinafter provided. The vault shall be filled in with clean,
incombustible material, attaining proper compaction pursuant to the Standard Specifications and
Standard Detail Drawings. Where such structures adjoin the curb, the enclosing walls shall be cut
down to a depth of two feet below the curb and the roof shall be removed. Proper steps shall be
taken to allow for the drainage of water through the vault floor.
(p) Historic districts. All work on vaults in historic districts shall be approved by the Landmarks
Preservation Commission prior to the commencement of the work.
80
Section 2-14
MISCELLANEOUS
78
Section 2-14
(viii) Applicants shall be responsible for inspecting banners and poles and replacing and/or
removing banners that are torn, defaced or in general disrepair, including rigging.
(3) Installation, maintenance and removal.
(i) Drilling of lamppost or welding of bracket supports is not permitted. All mounting
hardware must be of a corrosion resistant material.
(ii) Banners shall not be attached to any traffic signal posts containing an electrical traffic
control device. Banners shall not be installed so as to obstruct the visibility of signs or
signals which may be attached to other lampposts.
(iii) Banners shall not be placed on lampposts designated as landmarks by the Landmarks
Preservation Commission. Banners shall not be placed on ornamental signposts without
meeting specific permit stipulations.
(iv) Banners and any installation apparatus shall be removed immediately upon the
expiration of the term of the permit, except where a permit extension has been granted by
the Commissioner.
(4) Duration and renewal of permits. Banner permits shall remain in effect for a period of 30
days including installation and removal, and may be renewed up to two times at the discretion
of the Commissioner.
(5) Duration and renewal of permits granted to BIDs, LDCs or CRP fund recipients.
Permits granted to BIDs, LDCs or CRP fund recipients may remain effective for up to 90 days
and may be renewed at the discretion of the Commissioner.
(6) Revocation. Banner permits are revocable at will by the Commissioner.
(c) Bandstands and temporary platforms.
(1) No person shall erect or maintain a temporary platform or bandstand on the street unless
the structure has been approved by the Department of Buildings and a permit has been issued
by the Commissioner.
(2) Applicants for a permit to erect or maintain a temporary platform or bandstand shall file a
commercial general liability insurance policy, as provided in §2-02, with the Commissioner.
(d) Helicopter lifts. A street closing permit for the closing of streets along the route of a helicopter
lift shall be required for contractors with licensed operators performing helicopter rigging operations
on construction sites. The permit is subject to the following requirements:
(1) a permit for Aviation Operation, External Lift Operation, from the Public Transportation
Safety Unit of the Fire Department and
(2) a signed and notarized Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement.
(e) Temporary Festoon/Holiday Lighting and/or other Temporary Lighting.
(1) No individuals shall be permitted to hang temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other
temporary lighting from lampposts or poles containing electrical traffic control devices.
(2) Groups, including but not limited to, Business Improvement Districts, Block Associations
and Chambers of Commerce shall be permitted to hang temporary festoon/holiday lighting
and/or other temporary lighting from lampposts, provided the following conditions are met:
(i) All temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other temporary lighting, their attachments,
accessories, installations, and methods of attachment shall be in compliance with the
applicable requirements of these rules, the New York City Electrical Code (Chapter 3 of
Title 27 of the Administrative Code) and the rules of the New York City Department of
Buildings.
(ii) A letter requesting permission to hang temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other
temporary lighting shall be sent to the Department's Street Lighting Unit each year, 60 days
before the holiday or event by the sponsoring group. Such letter shall state the anticipated
installation and removal dates of the lighting, the proposed location(s) where the lights shall
be installed including the number of block faces of streets to be used, and the number of
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Section 2-14
lampposts to be affected, including those from which power is to be drawn and those that
are to be used only as an attachment for the temporary lighting.
(iii) The Street Lighting Unit shall provide a disposition in writing. If approved, the
sponsoring group or its electrical contractor shall submit such disposition from the Street
Lighting Unit to the Department of Buildings when applying for a Certificate of Electrical
Inspection.
(iv) The sponsoring group shall hire an electrical contractor licensed by the City to furnish
and install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) weatherproof receptacle and install the
lighting fixtures and supporting equipment. The GFCI shall be installed near the top of the
shaft of the lamppost from which the power is to be drawn.
(v) The sponsoring group or its electrical contractor shall be responsible for the
maintenance and replacement, as necessary, of the weatherproof receptacles.
(vi) The sponsoring group or its electrical contractor shall obtain a Certificate of Electrical
Inspection from the Department of Buildings prior to applying for a permit from the
Department.
(vii) The sponsoring group shall make arrangements with the appropriate electric utility
company to pay for the electricity that will be used to illuminate the temporary
festoon/holiday lighting and/or other temporary lighting.
(viii) The sponsoring group shall obtain and maintain in force an insurance policy as
provided in §2-02 of these rules and shall indemnify and hold the City harmless from any
and all claims for personal injury or property damage arising from the installation,
maintenance, operation and eventual removal of the temporary festoon/holiday lighting
and/or other temporary lighting.
(ix) A permit to hang temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other temporary lighting shall
be obtained from the Department of Transportation, prior to commencing work, upon the
showing of the letter of consent from the Street Lighting Unit and the Certificate of Electrical
Inspection from the Department of Buildings pursuant to subparagraphs (iii) and (vi) of this
paragraph.
(x) Temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other temporary lighting with necessary feed
wires and supports may be permitted over sidewalks for a period not to exceed 90 days,
provided they do not interfere with the free use of fire escapes and drop ladders. All such
electrical construction shall be removed within the time stated on the permit, excluding the
authorized GFCI weatherproof receptacle. The receptacle shall be permitted to remain
provided that it is properly maintained. Any receptacle(s) not properly maintained shall be
removed, within one (1) to ten (10) days of notice from the Department, as directed by the
Department, by the sponsoring group at its sole cost and expense. In the event that the
sponsoring group fails to remove the receptacle(s) or in the case of an emergency, the
Department may remove such receptacle(s) and charge the cost of removal to the
sponsoring group.
(xi) Prior to commencing any work, the electrical contractor shall test each pole for stray
voltage. if a pole tests positive, the electrical contractor shall contact the Department and
Con Edison immediately and shall report such test result and the location of the pole. The
electrical contractor shall wait for clearance from the Department and Con Edison prior to
the commencement of work.
(xii) After completing the installation of the temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other
temporary lighting, the electrical contractor shall retest each pole for stray voltage. If a pole
tests positive, the electrical contractor shall contact the Department and Con Edison
immediately and shall report such test result and the location of the pole.
(xiii) The electrical service shall not exceed 120 volts and shall not be fused larger than
fifteen (15) amperes.
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Section 2-14
(xiv) The installation of temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other temporary lighting
shall comply with the minimum height clearances below:
Conductors
Nature of Guys, Spans, Messengers
Crossing Under 300 Volts to 750 750 Volts to 15,000 Volts to
300 Volts Volts 15,000 Volts 33,000 Volts
Above track rails 27 feet 27 feet 28 feet 30 feet
of freight
railroads.
Above track rails 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
of elevated
railways.
Above track rails 22 feet 22 feet 25 feet 25 feet
of surface
railways.
Above roadways 18 feet 18 feet 20 feet 22 feet
of streets, etc.
Above spaces or 14 feet* 18 feet 20 feet 22 feet
ways accessible *For guys, 8
to pedestrians feet shall be
only, i.e., sufficient for
sidewalks and anchor guys not
alleyways. crossing
pathways.
84
Section 2-14
pursuant to Section 2-05 of these rules, is required to be obtained. Commercial refuse containers
shall not be used for the storage of putrescible waste.
(1) No commercial refuse container shall be placed on the street unless the owner of the
container has obtained a permit from the Department pursuant to Section 2-02 of these rules.
Notwithstanding such requirements, the owner of the container shall not be required to post
such permit at the work site.
(2) Commercial refuse containers shall not be stored or placed within:
(i) any "No Stopping," "No Standing", "No Parking Anytime", or "Authorized Parking" areas;
(ii) fifteen feet of hydrants;
(iii) the area created by extending the building line to the curb (the "corner") or the area
from ten feet from either side of the corner (the "corner quadrant");
(iv) a crosswalk or pedestrian ramp, nor shall it be stored or placed in any manner so as to
obstruct any crosswalk or pedestrian ramp;
(v) five feet of railroad tracks.
The prohibitions set forth in subparagraphs (i) through (v) shall not apply to areas where posted
signs prohibit standing except for trucks loading and unloading. In exceptional circumstances,
the Commissioner may grant permission to store or place containers in the areas specified in
subparagraphs (i) through (v) above. An application for such permission shall be made to
OCMC indicating the need for such placement.
(3) Storage of commercial refuse containers shall not in any way interfere with or obstruct
access to subway facilities, utility access points, hydrants, fire alarms, traffic signals, street
signs, bus stops or bus shelters, water main valves or gas shut-off valves, unless permission is
obtained from the appropriate City Department or utility.
(4) The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the container shall be
permanently affixed in characters at least three inches high both on the side of the container
that faces the sidewalk area and also on the opposite side that faces the street, with such
display being in a color contrasting with that of the container and placed approximately midway
vertically.
(5) Each container shall be stored parallel to the curb and extend no more than nine feet from
the curb into the roadway.
(6) The street shall be protected with proper covering (e.g., planking, skids, plating, or
pneumatic tires) to prevent damage before containers are placed on the street. Protection shall
be placed directly under each steel wheel or roller of the container to adequately distribute the
weight. Placement of all protection shall be done upon delivery by the owner of the container.
All planking and skids for containers shall be a minimum of 11/2" to a maximum of 3" thick.
Overall size of the protective covering shall be a minimum of 12" x 12" and the placement of
the protective covering shall not exceed the outer dimensions of the container.
(7) All containers shall be clearly marked on all four sides with high intensity reflective paint,
reflectors, or other markings capable of producing a warning glow when struck by the head
lamps of a vehicle or other source of illumination at a distance of three hundred feet.
(8) Sidewalks, gutters, crosswalks and driveways shall at all times be kept clear and
unobstructed and all dirt, debris and rubbish shall be promptly removed therefrom.
(9) The owner of any container shall comply with all applicable provisions of Titles 16 and 16-A
of the New York City Administrative Code and Title 17 of the Rules of the City of New York.
(g) Storage boxes. No person shall place on any street a box for the purpose of storing written
matter or any other type of material or attach such box to any item of street furniture or to the
pavement in any way.
(h) No smoking in pedestrian plazas. Smoking is prohibited in all pedestrian plazas under the
jurisdiction of the Department. Such pedestrian plazas will be designated by the Department on its
website.
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Section 2-14
(i) Flagpole sockets. It shall be permissible, by and with a permit of the Commissioner and with
permission of the owners of abutting property, for any organization of military, naval and marine
war veterans to place in sidewalks flagpole sockets to be used only for the placing therein of
stanchions or poles on which to display American flags to be used on patriotic occasions, public
celebrations, or in connection with public parades. Such organizations shall place flagpole sockets
at least five feet apart and at least eighteen inches, but no more than twenty-four inches, from the
face of the curb. The general conditions set forth in Section 7-06 of this title applicable to
revocable consents shall apply to such permits, except as provided in this subdivision. When the
sidewalk socket does not have a flagpole in it, the socket shall be capped or covered and shall be
flush with the sidewalk.
86
Section 2-15
(a) The Commissioner may serve an order upon a property owner to remove or alter any
unauthorized projection, encroachment or encumbrance on or in front of his premises within a
period to be specified in such order; such order shall be served personally, or by leaving it at the
house or place of business of the owner, occupant or person having charge of the house or lot in
front of which the projection, encroachment or encumbrance may be, or by posting such order
thereon.
(b) Where a property owner fails to alter or remove the encroachment, encumbrance or projection
within the time specified in the order, the Commissioner may remove or alter or cause such
encroachment, encumbrance or projection to be removed or altered at the expense of the owner or
constructor thereof, who shall be liable to the City for all expenses that it may incur by such
removal or alteration, together with the penalties prescribed by §19-150 of the Administrative
Code, to be recovered with costs of suit.
(1) In addition to any other remedies or penalties, whenever such removal, alteration, repair
and restoration is undertaken by the Commissioner he or she may certify separately the cost
and expense of such removal, alteration, repair and restoration to the Commissioner of
Finance, who shall charge the amount of such costs and expenses against the property upon
and with respect to which the work was performed. Each such charge shall be a lien upon the
property or premises in respect to which the same shall have been made, which lien shall have
priority over all other liens and encumbrances except taxes and assessments for other public or
local improvements, sewer rents, water rents and interest or penalty thereon levied or charged
pursuant to law.
(2) As an alternative to the remedies prescribed above, the Commissioner may in his or her
discretion institute through the Corporation Counsel any appropriate action or proceeding at
law against such owner for the recovery of the costs and expenses of such removal, alteration,
repair and restoration undertaken by the Commissioner, as provided in §19-133 of the
Administrative Code.
(c) In addition, failure to comply with an order issued by the Commissioner may result in criminal or
civil penalties in accordance with §19-149 or §19-150 of the Administrative Code.
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Section 2-16
(a) Prior to the issuance of a permit that will result in a publicly mapped street being fully closed for
more than 180 consecutive calendar days an applicant shall submit a Community Reassessment,
Impact and Amelioration (CRIA) statement to the Department for its approval. Without such
approval by the Department, the Department may refuse to issue a permit. This provision shall
apply to single permits or to a combination of permits that would result in such full street closure for
a total of more than 180 consecutive calendar days.
(b) Any individual or entity that effectuates the closure of a street for more than 180 consecutive
calendar days for which a permit from the Department is not required, with the exception of such
street closures initiated by a local law enforcement agency, shall comply with all provisions of this
section.
(c) The CRIA statement shall contain the following:
(1) the objectives of the closure and the reasons why the continued street closure is necessary
to attain those objectives;
(2) identification of the least expensive alternative means of attaining those objectives and the
costs of such alternatives, or a statement and explanation as to the unavailability of such
alternatives;
(3) how the continued street closure will impact access and traffic flow to and within the
surrounding community, including but not limited to, access to emergency vehicles, residences,
businesses, facilities, paratransit transportation and school bus services; and
(4) any recommendations to mitigate adverse impact and increase access to and within the
area.
(d) The requirement for the issuance of a CRIA statement as described in this subdivision may be
satisfied by delivery of an environmental assessment statement or environmental impact statement
conducted pursuant to CEQR rules, that has been approved by the Department.
(e) The individual or entity requesting a street closure as provided for in this section shall attend
and assist the Department at the public forum held pursuant to the requirements of §19-107(b) of
the Administrative Code of the City of New York and any other public forum resulting from the
street closure upon request from the Department, and shall assist the Department in producing
responses to any and all issues raised pursuant to such public forum(s).
(f) The Department may require the individual or entity requesting such street closure to issue the
Department approved CRIA, environmental assessment statement or environmental impact
statement to the community board and the council member in whose district the street is located.
88
Section 2-17
ADJUDICATIONS
New York City Department of Transportation adjudications regarding the fitness and discipline of
agency employees will be conducted by the Office of Administration Trials and Hearings. After
conducting an adjudication and analyzing all testimony and other evidence, the hearing officer shall
make written proposed findings of fact and recommend decisions, which shall be reviewed and
finally determined by the Commissioner.
89
Section 2-18
NEWSSTANDS
90
Section 2-19
(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
(1) Accessible Level. "Accessible level" shall mean one that facilitates the approach, entry or
use for bicyclists on whose behalf the tenant or subtenant has requested bicycle access.
(2) Available. "Available" shall mean accessible for use by bicyclists on whose behalf the
tenant or subtenant has requested bicycle access.
(3) Control. "Control" shall mean to exercise legal authority over through deed, permit, lease,
contract or otherwise.
(4) Covered. "Covered" shall mean enveloped by a roof or functional equivalent. For purposes
of this definition, "roof" shall mean the outer cover and its supporting structures on the top of a
building.
(5) Indoor. "Indoor" shall mean situated in the interior of or within a building that is within three
blocks or seven hundred fifty feet, whichever is less, of the building for which a bicycle access
plan is requested.
(6) Off-street. "Off-street" shall mean located in an area other than the roadway or the public
sidewalk within three blocks or seven hundred fifty feet, whichever is less, of the building for
which a bicycle access plan is requested.
(7) Secure. "Secure" shall mean that (i) the entry to or exit from the alternate bicycle parking is
locked or supervised by building personnel and permitted only to (A) the owner, lessee,
manager or such other person who controls such building and their agents, and (B) bicycle
owners on whose behalf the tenant or subtenant has requested bicycle access, and (ii) a
bicycle owner can lock a bicycle to a fixed object (including, but not limited to, a bicycle rack)
such that the bicycle is protected from damage or theft.
(b) Bicycle Access Plan.
(1) Request for Bicycle Access.
(i) The tenant or subtenant of an office building, as defined in Administrative Code §28-
504.1, may submit a request for bicycle access, in writing on a form provided by the
Department, to the owner, lessee, manager or other person who controls such office
building. Such request shall be submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(ii) The tenant or subtenant shall file a copy of any request for bicycle access with the
Department. Such request may be filed electronically by submitting it through the
Department's website (www.nyc.gov/bikesinbuildings) or by submitting such request by
regular mail to the Department of Transportation, 55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY
10041, Attention: Bikes in Buildings Program.
(iii) The owner, lessee, manager, or other person who controls such office building shall
complete and implement a bicycle access plan for such building within thirty (30) days after
receipt of a written request from such tenant or subtenant of such building.
(iv) The owner, lessee, manager or other person in control of the building may request an
exception to the requirements of Administrative Code §28-504.3 in accordance with
subdivision (d) of this section.
(2) Contents of Bicycle Access Plan.
(i) Requirements. The bicycle access plan prepared by the owner, lessee, manager or
other person who controls a building shall, for bicyclists on whose behalf the tenant or
subtenant has requested bicycle access, include but not be limited to:
(A) the location of entrances within or to the building;
(B) the route to elevator(s) that accommodate bicycle access;
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(3) Bicycle access plans, letters of exception and notices of availability of either such
documents shall be made available to the Department, the Department of Buildings or
authorized representatives of any other City agency upon request.
(g) Filing of bicycle access plan and subsequent amendments with the Department. A
bicycle access plan shall be filed with the Department by electronic submission through the
Department's website (www.nyc.gov/bikesinbuildings) or by regular mail to the Department of
Transportation 55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10041, Attention: Bikes in Buildings
Program, within ten (10) days of implementation of such plan. Should the owner, lessee, manager
or other person who controls a building amend their bicycle access plan pursuant to subdivision (c)
of this section, such amendment shall be filed with the Department as outlined above within ten
(10) business days of completion and implementation of such amendment.
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(a) General requirements. Any person installing, repairing, removing, using or working within
three (3) feet of any type of City electrical equipment or non-City electrical equipment attached to
City Property, including communication circuits, shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Except as otherwise provided by law or rule, no person shall attach any item to any City
electrical equipment, including but not limited to, street light poles and poles containing
electrical traffic control devices, such as traffic signal poles, and pedestrian and bicycle signal
poles, without permission from the Department.
(2) Only public utilities, public benefit corporations, City agencies or licensed and insured
contractors shall be permitted to install, repair, use or work within three (3) feet of any type of
City electrical equipment or non-City electrical equipment attached to City Property, including
communication circuits.
(3) Except as otherwise provided by law or rule, all electrical installations, connections,
supports, devices, and equipment, including but not limited to, communication circuits, shall be
designed and installed in compliance with the general requirements of the National Electrical
Code (NEC) or, in the case of Public Utilities, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
(4) All public infrastructure work, including work in streets, bridges, parks and public places,
shall be designed and installed in compliance with these rules; standard electrical engineering
practice; the National Electric Code (NEC) or, in the case of Public Utilities, the National
Electrical Safety Code (NESC); the Standard Detail Drawings; the Standard Specifications; the
Department's Instructions for Filing Plans & Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalks, Curbs,
Roadways and other Infrastructure Components; the Department's Bureau of Traffic, Division
of Street Lighting Standard Drawings; and all other applicable laws and rules.
(5) All required applications and/or forms, plans and certifications, relating to work that is
subject to these rules shall be submitted to the Department's Street Lighting and/or Traffic
Signals Units for approval prior to the issuance by the Department of a permit. No work shall
commence prior to the issuance of such permit. Approval of adjustments to the work performed
shall be obtained from the Department prior to commencing any such adjustments. Changes in
the work may be mandated by the Department for the purpose of conforming the work to the
requirements of these rules.
(6) The Department's Electrical Inspections Unit shall be notified by persons performing all
proposed non-emergency work at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to commencement.
Application to the Department for a permit or other authorization at least seventy-two (72) hours
prior to commencement of non-emergency work shall be deemed notice.
(7) No person shall break, deface, remove, or interfere with any lamp, gas, communication or
electrical apparatus, or any part thereof, which shall be hung or fixed in any street or public
place, or extinguish the light therein except as authorized by the Department. All instances of
damaged gas, communication or electrical equipment shall be reported to the 311 Government
Services & Information for New York City telephone number and/or the contact telephone
number on any applicable permits. The New York City Police Department shall also be notified,
as appropriate.
(8) Any person installing a connection to any type of City electrical equipment or non-city
electrical equipment attached to City property shall make arrangements with the appropriate
electric utility company to pay for the electricity that will be used to operate said equipment.
(9) An inspector from the Department may visit a work site upon receiving a complaint, or as a
matter of routine inspection, to monitor compliance with these rules. In the event that the
inspector deems a condition at the work site to be imminently dangerous, the party determined
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to be responsible for creating such condition shall immediately remove or correct the condition
upon notification by the Department. For conditions not deemed imminently dangerous, the
party determined to be responsible for creating such condition shall be provided with an
Electrical Remove or Repair (EROR) report identifying the condition needing correction. The
EROR report would require a cure period of forty-eight (48) hours to correct the condition. If the
condition is not corrected within forty-eight (48) hours, then a Notice of Violation shall be issued
against the party determined to be responsible for creating such condition. Said violations may
be issued on-site or by mail. Notwithstanding the preceding sentences in this paragraph there
shall be no cure period afforded with respect to compliance with emergency conditions, such
as, but not necessarily limited to, those listed in Sections 2-20 (a)(4), (a)(7), (b)(5), (b)(9),
(e)(11), (m)(1), (n)(5), and (t)(5), where an imminent dangerous condition results due to
improper installation, maintenance and/or removal.
(b) Shunts: Overhead, Street and Wrap-around Shunts.
(1) This subdivision shall apply to overhead, street and wrap-around shunts attached to City
electrical equipment or running over/along a roadway or sidewalk.
(2) In order for the Department to maintain accurate identification and location records for
overhead, street and wrap-around shunts, no person shall install any shunt without first
obtaining a permit from the Department unless otherwise provided herein.
(3) No person shall install an overhead shunt without first obtaining a regular permit unless an
emergency condition exists and an emergency permit has been obtained. In the event that the
emergency condition is not repaired by the conclusion of the forty-eight (48) hour emergency
permit period, a regular permit shall be obtained.
(4) Shunts shall not be permanent installations. A permanent repair shall be made by the
conclusion of the ninety (90) day regular permit period.
(5) No shunt shall bypass any electrical safety device.
(6) In the event that a shunt must be used and an overhead or street shunt cannot be installed,
a wrap-around shunt may be used only if approval is obtained from the Department's Streetlight
Unit prior to obtaining a permit. Any request for such approval must include, at a minimum, the
location of the shunt and the reason(s) why only a wrap-around shunt can be used.
(7) The roadway surrounding a street shunt shall be properly barricaded as a warning to
vehicular traffic in the event that it is not feasible to install shunt boards (ramps) capable of
withstanding constant, heavy vehicular traffic. All barricades must bear a sign displaying the
contractor's name and telephone number and the start and end dates of all work. The sidewalk
areas over which the shunt runs and all wires shall be protected and ramped with a reflective
covering.
(8) Overhead shunts shall be installed into the top of a street light/lamppost or traffic signal pole
by removing the pole cap, installing an approved mounting bracket, running the electric cord or
cable into and through the interior of the pole and making the electrical connection, which shall
be independently fused for the intended use of the shunt, in the base of the pole from the
inside. The pole cap shall then be placed in the base of the pole for reinstallation when the
shunt is removed.
(9) Overhead shunts and their supports shall be maintained at the following minimum
clearances. (For additional minimum clearances, see Table B of this section.)
(i) 27 feet above railroad tracks
(ii) 25 feet above elevated railroads
(iii) 18 feet above roadways
(iv) 14 feet above sidewalks and alleyways
(10) All shunt apparatus shall be removed when the shunt is no longer in use.
(11) All existing overhead and street shunts shall be removed within ninety (90) days of the
effective date of this section. If not so removed, permits shall be obtained for each shunt within
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that ninety (90) day time period and the shunts shall be replaced with permanent connections
as provided in paragraph 4 above, unless waived by the Department in writing.
(c) Electrical Traffic Control Devices.
(1) City electrical equipment containing electrical traffic control devices shall not be used as a
source of power for anything other than the electrical traffic control devices, unless explicitly
approved by the Department.
(2) Attachments to City electrical equipment containing electrical traffic control devices shall be
approved by the Department prior to such attachment.
(3) In the event that the Department installs an overhead shunt to restore power to City
electrical equipment containing an electrical traffic control device, an electrical utility shall, upon
notice from the Department, which may include, but not be limited to, a tracking number from
the Electrical Inspections Unit, obtain an overhead shunt permit and maintain such shunt
pursuant to such permit until the utility replaces the shunt with a permanent electrical
connection pursuant to these rules.
(d) Cable Guards and Standpipes/Overhead Wiring.
(1) This subdivision shall apply to cable guards and standpipes installed or intended to be
installed on City electrical equipment, such as poles.
(2) No person shall install a cable guard or standpipe on any City electrical equipment that
already has a cable guard or standpipe without first obtaining approval from the Department's
Streetlight Unit.
(3) Metal cable guards and standpipes shall be galvanized and in good condition.
(4) Cable guards and standpipes shall be installed parallel to the curb unless otherwise
directed by the Department.
(e) Conductors-Aerial/Overhead.
(1) This subdivision shall apply to conductors installed or intended to be installed on City
property.
(2) No person shall install any aerial/overhead conductor without first obtaining a permit from
the Department's Streetlight Unit, unless an emergency condition exists and Department
authorization to install the aerial/overhead conductor has been obtained. In the event that the
emergency condition is not repaired within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving Department
authorization, a permit shall be obtained.
(3) On City electrical equipment, electric light and power wires shall not be placed on the same
cross arm with communication or similar wires without prior authorization from the Department.
Where electric light and power wires are placed on the same City-owned pole with
communication or similar wires, the horizontal distance between the two inside pins of each
cross arm shall not be less than thirty (30) inches, if access to points above such cross arms
may be necessary, and the former shall be placed above the latter and separated therefrom by
a vertical distance as provided in Table C of this section.
(4) Conductors shall be securely attached to suitable insulators on pins on cross arms, or on
NEC or NESC approved brackets, with NEC or NESC approved clamps or wire of the same
size and type as conductors. Other methods of attachment shall not be used unless prior
approval is given by the Department for such use.
(5) For temporary work, including but not limited to building construction, conductors may be
suspended from suitable insulators or other attachments, provided such attachments are
approved by the Department prior to installation and the conductors are securely attached to
substantial supports.
(6) Conductors operating at potentials in excess of 300 volts to ground shall be capable of
being disconnected so that, in case of a fire or other emergency condition, current may be cut
off from the particular circuits or section so as not to interfere with the work of fire fighters or
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Table A
Voltage Up to 8,700 V to 15,000V to
Classification 8,700V 15,0000V 33,000V
Horizontal Clearance 3 feet 8 feet 10 feet
(9) Conductors for light or power shall not be connected together without the approval of the
Department. This provision shall not apply to transformer leads or to networked supply systems
such as trolley conductors and low tension feeders or mains to which services are connected.
(10) Conductors shall be spliced or joined so as to be both mechanically and electrically
secure. The splices shall be covered with insulation equal to that on the conductors.
(11) Conductors used as supply lines carrying 2300 volts or less shall be approved for outdoor
open wiring by the Department prior to installation.
(12) Conductors shall, where exposed to weather, be supported on insulators approved in
advance by the Department.
(13) Conductors shall enter a switch or cutout box or cabinet through approved bushings at the
bottom of such box or cabinet wherever practical. Where conductors enter boxes or cabinets at
the side, they shall be provided with drip-loops in addition to the approved bushings.
(14) The following minimum clearances are required, except where otherwise specifically
permitted by the Department:
Table B
Conductors
Nature of Guys, Spans, Messengers
Crossing Under 300 Volts to 750 750 Volts to 15,000 Volts to
300 Volts Volts 15,000 Volts 33,000 Volts
Above track rails 27 feet 27 feet 28 feet 30 feet
of freight railroads
Above track rails 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
of elevated
railways
Above track rails 22 feet 22 feet 25 feet 25 feet
of surface
railways
Above streets 18 feet 18 feet 20 feet 22 feet
Above sidewalks 14 feet* 18 feet 20 feet 22 feet
and alleyways *For guys, 8 feet
shall be sufficient
for anchor guys
not crossing
pathways.
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Table C
Conductors of lines operating at the voltages indicated at the heads of columns shall, unless
otherwise permitted by the Department, be installed above those in the left hand column of the
table.
Voltage Communication 0 to 300V to 750V to 8,700V to Guys**
Classification 300 V 750 V 8,700 V 33,000V
Communication 2 feet 4 feet* 4 feet 4 feet 6 feet 2 feet
(f) Cross Arms. Cross arms on City electrical equipment shall not be longer than necessary for the
number of conductors that may reasonably be anticipated to support utility cables.
(g) Electrical Construction.
(1) No person shall begin construction of lines to furnish communications or electric service in
the City of New York unless the Department issues a permit for such construction in
accordance with this subdivision.
(2) As a part of the application by persons other than Public Utilities for permits pursuant to this
subdivision, such persons shall file their construction specifications, i.e. strength, foundations,
settings and electrical connections, for communications or electric service installations with the
Department. No permit shall be issued to such persons by the Department until such
specifications are approved by the Department. All work shall be performed in accordance with
the specifications approved by the Department.
(3) As a part of the application by Public Utilities for an annual permit to maintain their systems,
Public Utilities shall file their construction specifications, i.e. strength, foundations, settings and
electrical connections, for communications or electric service installations demonstrating full
compliance with the NESC with the Department. No annual permit shall be issued to a Public
Utility by the Department until such specifications are filed with the Department. All work shall
be performed in accordance with the specifications filed with the Department. Notwithstanding
the receipt of an annual permit to maintain their systems, Public Utilities are required to obtain
all necessary permits to perform their work, including street opening, construction activity and
sidewalk construction permits.
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remove the equipment, except where prohibited by law, and charge the cost of removal to the
owner of the equipment.
(k) Conduits.
(1) Where conduits are attached to City electrical equipment, they shall be securely fastened in
place and grounded in an approved manner. If straps are used, each strap shall be secured
with two (2) lag screws or other method approved by the Department.
(2) Flexible conduit, where permitted to be attached to City electrical equipment, shall enter the
switch or cutout box or cabinet at the bottom wherever practical, using an NEC and/or NESC
approved fitting. Where such conduit enters the box or cabinet at the side, it shall be provided
with a drip-loop.
(l) Grounding.
(1) All exposed non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment for light,
communications or power located on or attached to City property, including but not limited to,
transformer cases, switch or fuse cabinets, metallic conduit, raceways and cable armor, shall
be permanently and effectively grounded.
(2) Transformers with ungrounded secondaries and metal shields for conductors running down
City electrical equipment, such as a City-owned pole, must be properly protected.
(3) The grounding resistance should not exceed 25 ohms.
(4) City electrical equipment shall not be used as a ground.
(m) Work site safety.
(1) The work site safety rules in subdivision (h) of §2-02 of these rules and any other safety
measures directed by the Department shall apply to work performed pursuant to this section.
(2) No movable equipment shall be left unattended at the work site unless properly secured.
(n) Guys and Anchors.
(1) Where the mechanical loads to be imposed on City electrical equipment, such as City-
owned poles or other City-owned supporting structures, are greater than can be safely
supported by the pole or structure itself, additional strength shall be provided by the use of
guys, braces or other approved construction. Guys shall be of stranded cable or other
approved mechanical construction; suitable shims and thimbles shall be used where required.
Guy wires shall be adequately protected by strain insulators, and shall keep a minimum wire
crossing clearance as indicated in Table C of this section.
(2) Anchor guys may be attached to City property only with the approval of the Department.
(3) Anchor guys attached to City property will not be permitted:
(i) Within twenty-five (25) feet of any intersecting street;
(ii) Where sufficient strength will be afforded by head guys or pole guys and cribbed poles;
(iii) Where the anchor guys would interfere with the entrance to a building or garage.
(4) Anchor guys attached to City property shall be protected by an approved shield, extending
at least eight feet (8) out of the ground, and not less than six feet (6) above the sidewalk.
(5) Where guy wires are liable to come into contact with electrical conductors, approved
insulators shall be installed.
(o) [Intentionally left blank]
(p) Insulators. On communication lines attached to City property, other methods of attachment
approved by the Department may be used in lieu of insulators.
(q) Pole Installations.
(1) This subdivision shall apply to all street light, traffic control device or wood poles installed or
intended to be installed on City property.
(2) Poles shall not be installed or replaced without obtaining a permit from the Department.
(3) All plans, designs and/or drawings for pole installations including the specifications for
height, setting, foundation and depth in ground shall be provided to the Department for
approval prior to obtaining a permit.
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(4) Poles installed and/or relocated after the effective date of this section shall be set at the
proper grade and at the approved distance from the curb. The following approved distances
from the curb are required, unless otherwise approved by the Department.
(5) All poles now standing or hereafter erected shall be branded, stamped or marked in a
manner approved by the Department with the initials of the company owning them or with some
other distinguishing mark of ownership, and a clearly legible serial number at a point not less
than five (5) feet nor more than seven (7) feet above the street surface. Where a pole is
occupied by wires of more than one company, each group of conductors and/or cross arms
shall, where necessary, be distinguished by a characteristic mark, paint or fastening approved
by the Department. All poles now standing shall be branded, stamped or marked in the manner
as described herein within twelve (12) months of the effective date of this section. In lieu of an
ownership mark on a pole, Public Utilities shall, upon completion of a web-based pole
ownership database readily identifying pole ownership via the pole serial number, provided the
Department with access to such database.
(6) Unless authorized by the Department, poles shall not be erected on both sides of any street
requiring new installations.
(7) Poles installed and/or relocated after the effective date of this section shall be spaced not
less than eighty (80) feet or more than one hundred thirty (130) feet apart, unless authorized by
the Department.
(8) Poles installed and/or relocated after the effective date of this section shall be set at least
fifteen (15) feet from hydrants, unless otherwise authorized by the Department.
(9) Poles installed and/or relocated after the effective date of this section shall be set at least
seven (7) feet from driveways, unless otherwise authorized by the Department.
(10) Metal poles shall be painted as directed by the Department.
(11) Steps, where provided on poles carrying supply wires, shall be substantially parallel with
the roadway. The lowest metal step shall be not less than six and one-half (6 1/2) feet from the
ground.
(12) Where poles are treated with creosote over one (1) foot above the ground line, they shall
be guarded, if necessary, in a manner approved by the Department, to avoid exposure to the
public.
(r) Persons Installing, Relocating, Removing/Replacing Street Light Poles and/or
Installing/Removing Temporary Pole Taps.
(1) A person requesting to install, relocate, and/or remove/replace street light poles on City
property shall provide the Department with the appropriate application, all plans, drawings,
and/or designs for said work, including all contractor information, at least sixty (60) days in
advance of the expected work. No permit shall be issued to such persons by the Department
until all plans are approved by the Department. No work shall be performed without the
obtaining of all necessary permits.
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(2) A person requesting to install a temporary pole tap on City electrical equipment shall
provide the Department with the appropriate application, all plans, drawings, and/or designs for
said work, including all contractor information, at least thirty (30) days in advance of the
expected work. No permit shall be issued to such persons by the Department until all plans are
approved by the Department unless otherwise provided herein. No work shall be performed
without the obtaining of all necessary permits.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph 2 above, Department approval prior to obtaining a permit is not
required for temporary pole taps used to facilitate work by Public Utilities in the immediate
vicinity of the work site provided that the pole tap is removed whenever Public Utility personnel
are not physically present at the site.
(4) All costs for the installation of temporary pole taps and/or the installation, relocation,
removal and/or replacement of a streetlight pole shall be borne by the person requesting the
work.
(5) A person requesting to erect a street lighting pole on City property in front of his or her
property shall comply with the Revocable Consents Rules, Chapter 7 of this Title 34.
(6) Unless otherwise authorized by the Department, temporary lighting shall be provided at or
near the street light pole location when a pole is being relocated or is temporarily removed until
the new or relocated street light is energized. A minimum 150 Watt HPS luminaire shall be
mounted at least eighteen (18) feet above the street. (Please refer to Table B of this section.)
(7) A relocated or removed street light pole shall be appropriately replaced by the end of the
permit period.
(8) If a relocated or removed street light pole is not satisfactorily replaced by the end of the
permit period, the Department may replace said pole and charge the cost of replacement to the
person that requested its relocation or removal.
(9) The wiring to the street light luminaire shall not be disconnected at any time when a
temporary pole tap is installed.
(10) A temporary pole tap on City electrical equipment shall be removed by the end of the
approved time frame.
(s) Service Conductors, Supply or Communication.
(1) Service conductors shall not be installed on City property unless the installation has
received all necessary permits required by the Department and other applicable City agencies.
(2) Except where advance written permission is obtained from the Department, unsupported
loops on service conductors installed on City Property shall not exceed one hundred and fifty
(150) feet.
(3) Where service for light, communications, or power is to be provided from any metal column
or structure located on City property, the conductors shall be protected by metal conduit to a
point at least eight (8) feet above the sidewalk and terminate in an approved box or fitting on
such column or structure.
(t) Service Connections for Exterior Electrical Installation.
(1) This subdivision shall apply to service connections installed or intended to be installed on
City property.
(2) Service shall not be furnished to any exterior electrical installation unless said installation
has received all necessary permits from the Department.
(3) A connection shall only be made at the point designated in the permit.
(4) A connection shall not be made to light or power service or wiring in any building without a
permit.
(5) Where service for light or power is to be provided from a building or from the secondary side
of transformer housed on street:
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(i) Service equipment is required. Service equipment shall be not less than 125% of the
computed load and in no case less than one hundred (100) amperes, except by special
permission of the Department.
(ii) Feeders shall be in good condition, properly insulated, continuous without splices and
shall be enclosed in metal conduit from the service connection to an approved service head
which shall maintain a minimum clearance as listed in Table B of this section. Conductors
for light or power shall not be so interconnected as to form a shunt around any service
switch or fuse controlling the supply of current to any electrical installation.
(u) [Intentionally left blank]
(v) Supports.
(1) This subdivision shall apply to supports installed or intended to be installed on City property.
(2) Wood supports shall not be less than four inches by four inches (4"X4"), and shall be
securely fastened in place.
(3) Pipe used for vertical supports shall be not less than one and one-half (11/2) inches in
diameter and shall be maintained in good condition.
(4) Vertical supports shall be securely erected, and where rigid attachment is not available,
shall be well ballasted and securely guyed in at least three (3) directions.
(5) City electrical equipment, such as City-owned poles and supports, shall be securely guyed
with head guys not less than #6 AWG and side guys not less than #12 AWG galvanized
stranded wires.
(6) Conductors attached to City property shall be supported at least every fifteen (15) feet.
Spans in excess of fifteen (15) feet shall be supported on suitable messenger wires every five
(5) feet.
(7) Conductors attached to City property shall be supported on approved insulators and
secured thereto by insulated wire of same size as conductors.
(8) Messenger wires and conductors attached to City property shall be dead-ended on strain
insulators.
(9) Conductors attached to City property shall have approved rubber, weatherproof or slow-
burning weatherproof insulating covering, shall not be smaller than #14 AWG, and shall be
suspended not less than fourteen (14) feet above the sidewalk, and not less than three (3) feet
from any building, when parallel thereto.
(10) Conductors and sockets shall be weatherproof and in good condition.
(11) The ends of conductors shall be securely taped.
(w) Tests, including stray voltage tests.
(1) Owners or operators of lines, equipment and appliances shall make such inspections, tests
and determinations as required by law and as directed by the Department.
(i) Prior to performing any installation, removal, repair, and/or work within three (3) feet of
any type of City electrical equipment or non-city electrical equipment in the public right-of-
way or attached to City Property, including communication circuits, a contractor shall test
the equipment for stray voltage. If the equipment tests positive (i.e. has a voltage reading
greater than or equal to one (1) volt measured using a voltmeter and a 500 ohm shunt
resistor), the electrical contractor shall contact the Department and the appropriate utility
company immediately and shall report such test result and the location of the equipment.
The contractor shall safeguard the location until the Department and/or the appropriate
utility company responds to the location. The electrical contractor shall wait for clearance
from the Department and the appropriate utility company prior to the commencement of
work.
(ii) After completing any installation, removal, repair, and/or work within three (3) feet of any
type of City electrical equipment or non-city electrical equipment in the public right-of-way or
attached to City Property, including communication circuits, a contractor shall retest the
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equipment for stray voltage. If the equipment tests positive, the electrical contractor shall
contact the Department and the appropriate utility company immediately and shall report
such test result and the location of the equipment. The contractor shall safeguard the
location until the Department and/or the appropriate utility company responds to the
location.
(2) The results of such tests and determinations shall be provided to the Department as
requested.
(x) Transformers and cable boxes.
(1) This subdivision shall apply to transformers and cable boxes installed or intended to be
installed on City property.
(2) Transformers and cable boxes shall not be installed on City electrical equipment, in
manholes or vaults, or elsewhere in the street without first obtaining a permit.
(3) Transformers and cable boxes shall be so installed as to maintain the clearance between
supply lines and communication lines, as specified in Table C of this section unless otherwise
provided herein.
(4) Transformers shall be grounded pursuant to all applicable regulations.
(5) Transformers shall not be installed on the sidewalk or roadways without the approval of the
Department
(y) Vertical Supply Conductors.
(1) Vertical supply conductors on City electrical equipment carrying communications wires shall
have suitable insulating covering and be encased in a suitable, NEC or NESC approved,
insulating conduit or casing extending from a point eight (8) feet above the ground up to the
bottom of the appropriate cross arm, bracket or transformer; within eight (8) feet of the ground
a suitable mechanical protection shall be provided.
(2) Notwithstanding the above, in connection with the use of metal sheathed supply cable,
continuous iron pipe may be used throughout, without insulating covering, if the metal sheathed
cable is an extension from an underground system, or if the iron pipe is permanently and
effectively grounded. Iron pipe extending continuously down the pole and into a building and
there grounded to the street side of the water shut-off, shall be considered as permanently and
effectively grounded.
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Section 2-21
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY PROGRAM
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Adopt-a-Highway Program is to enlist the help of maintenance
providers, sponsors, and/or volunteers to assist in cleaning and beautifying the City’s highways
through litter and graffiti removal, tree trimming, sweeping, mowing, planting flowers or trees, and
other landscape maintenance along designated highway routes.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) Adopted segment means a particular section of the highway designated by the
Commissioner to be adopted by a sponsor or volunteer participating in the Adopt-a-Highway
Program. In addition to the section of the highway, adopted segments may include highway
exits, entrances, or service roads.
(2) Adopter means a sponsor or a volunteer approved by the Department to be a participant
in the Adopt-a-Highway Program.
(3) Maintenance provider means a business entity approved by the Department to provide
professional maintenance services on an adopted segment according to a permit issued by the
Department.
(4) Maintenance provider agreement means a written agreement between a maintenance
provider and the Department.
(5) Maintenance services means work performed at the adopted segments that may
include, but is not necessarily limited to, litter removal, tree trimming, graffiti removal, sweeping,
mowing, planting flowers or trees, and other landscape maintenance.
(6) Sponsor means any individual, business, corporation, or organization that enters into an
agreement with a maintenance provider to perform maintenance services in a designated
adopted segment.
(7) Sponsor agreement means a written agreement between a sponsor and a maintenance
provider.
(8) Volunteer means any individual or group, other than those employed by a maintenance
provider, who enters into a volunteer agreement with the Department to perform maintenance
services on an adopted segment without compensation and in accordance with a permit issued
by the Department.
(9) Volunteer agreement means a written agreement between the volunteer adopting an
adopted segment and the Department.
(c) General requirements.
(1) Applications for Participation.
(i) Sponsors. Any individual, business, corporation or organization who desires to
participate in the Adopt-a-Highway Program as a sponsor must obtain from the
Department a list of maintenance providers with whom the sponsor may enter into a
maintenance provider agreement.
(ii) Maintenance providers. Any business entity who desires to participate in the Adopt-a-
Highway Program as a maintenance provider must submit an application by mail or
electronically to the Department using the Department’s Maintenance Provider and
Related Services Application.
(iii) Volunteers. Any individual or group who desires to participate in the Adopt-a-Highway
Program as a volunteer must submit an application by mail or electronically to the
Department using the Department’s Adopt-a-Highway Volunteer Application.
(2) Rights to segments.
(i) Segments are available for adoption on a first-come first-served basis. Prospective
adopters may choose from the Department’s list of available segments or may, upon
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and submit a maintenance provider work permit application. Once the work permit
application is approved by the Department, the sponsor has the right to that adopted
segment for the duration of the work permit's terms and conditions.
(iii) Sponsors may change maintenance providers and still retain rights to the adopted
segment as long as the new maintenance provider has been approved by the
Department.
(2) Sponsor obligations. It is the sponsor’s obligation to ensure that the maintenance provider’s
services are rendered as agreed upon in the sponsor agreement and in accordance with the
maintenance provider agreement and maintenance provider permit.
(3) Term of adoption.
(i) Sponsors wishing to adopt a segment must commit to a minimum of a one-year
agreement with a Department-approved maintenance provider.
(ii) Adopted segments that need landscaping require sponsor commitment for a minimum
of two years.
(4) Maintenance provider qualifications. Maintenance providers must be approved by the
Department to participate in the Adopt-a-Highway Program. Maintenance providers must
have a minimum of five years of maintenance experience similar to that as defined as
maintenance services in these rules, administrative experience, and experience with roadway
closures. Maintenance Providers must conform with the requirements of VENDEX, New York
City’s automated system check on background, performance, tax, and contact information for
businesses that contract with the City.
(5) Maintenance provider obligations. Maintenance providers act as independent
contractors for sponsors. Maintenance providers are responsible for:
(i) Entering into and maintaining a maintenance provider agreement with the Department.
(ii) Reaching a sponsor agreement with a sponsor and informing sponsors of maintenance
services completed.
(iii) Coordinating all maintenance services and requirements with the Department.
(iv) Submitting a maintenance provider work permit application and performing all
administrative work associated with the program including billing and related services with the
sponsor.
(v) Performing all maintenance services in accordance with the maintenance provider
agreement and maintenance provider permit.
(vi) Maintaining records for each adopted segment including:
- Name of sponsor
- Description and length of each adopted segment
- Gross value (including in-kind goods and services) of sponsor contribution
- Levels of maintenance services provided
- Time period covered by the maintenance provider’s agreement with the sponsor
(vii) Supplying all labor, equipment and capital resources necessary to perform the
maintenance services in accordance with the maintenance provider agreement and
maintenance provider permit.
(viii) Always using a backup truck with arrow board and impact attenuator when
performing mechanical sweeping.
(ix) Picking-up and bagging litter and clippings; placing bags and bulk debris on the shoulder
of each adopted segment.
(x) Transporting field personnel in commercial vehicles.
(xi) Performing maintenance services only during hours specified in the maintenance
provider permit.
(xii) Ordering a sign as soon as the maintenance provider work permit application is
approved by the Department.
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(xiii) Providing a sign to the Department for installation at the adopted segment.
(xiv) Maintaining the sign so that it is dirt and graffiti free and unobstructed.
(xv) Recycling whenever possible when performing maintenance services.
(xvi) Scheduling maintenance services at the adopted segment from Monday through
Thursday, except where Friday is needed to make-up for cancellations due to weather, or
unless authorized by the Department.
(6) Field Personnel. Maintenance provider field personnel performing maintenance services
must be 18 years of age or older. Every adopted segment must have a supervisor who can
speak and understand English. All drivers must possess a valid commercial driver’s license.
(7) Safety.
(i) Maintenance providers must be familiar with and comply with Part 6 of the most recent
version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways
(MUTCD), published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the New York
State Supplement “Highway Work Zone Traffic Controls” and “Vegetation Control for
Safety, A Guide for Street and Highway Maintenance Personnel,” by the FHWA, Office of
Highway Safety. Any lane closing schemes must be presented for approval to the
Department’s Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination, and a maintenance
provider permit must be issued before commencing maintenance services.
(ii) Maintenance providers are required to have every field employee complete a Department-
approved safety training program each year.
(8) Insurance.
(i) From the date any maintenance provider agreement is executed through the date of its
expiration or termination, the maintenance provider must ensure that the types of insurance
indicated in this section are obtained and remain in force, and that such insurance adheres
to all requirements herein. The maintenance provider is authorized to undertake or
maintain operations under its maintenance provider agreement only during the effective
period of all required coverage.
(ii) Types of required insurance.
(A) Commercial General Liability insurance. The maintenance provider shall
maintain Commercial General Liability insurance in the amount of at least One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and at least Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000)
aggregate. This insurance shall protect the insureds from claims for property damage
and/or bodily injury, including death, that may arise from any of the operations under the
maintenance provider agreement. Coverage shall be at least as broad as that provided
by the most recently issued Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) Form CG 0001, and shall
be "occurrence"-based rather than "claims-made." The City, together with its officials
and employees, shall be an Additional Insured with coverage at least as broad as the
most recent edition of ISO Form CG 2026.
(B) Workers’ Compensation, Employers Liability, and Disability Benefits
insurance. The maintenance provider shall maintain such insurance on behalf of, or
with regard to, all employees involved in the maintenance provider’s operations under
its maintenance provider agreement to the full extent required by the laws of the State
of New York.
(C) Business Automobile Liability insurance. With regard to all operations under its
maintenance provider agreement, the maintenance provider shall maintain or cause to
be maintained Business Automobile Liability insurance in the amount of at least One
Million Dollars ($1,000,000) each accident (combined single limit) for liability arising out
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or other person, that any insurance policy required under this section shall expire or be
cancelled or terminated (or has expired or been cancelled or terminated) for any
reason, the maintenance provider shall immediately forward a copy of such notice to the
Department. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maintenance provider shall ensure that
there is no interruption in any of the insurance coverage required under this section.
(9) Maintenance provider’s responsibility for safety, injuries or damage;
indemnification.
(i) In all its activities under a maintenance provider agreement, the maintenance provider
shall be solely responsible for the safety and protection of its employees, agents,
servants, contractors, and subcontractors, and for the safety and protection of the
employees, agents, or servants of its contractors or subcontractors.
(ii) The maintenance provider shall be solely responsible for taking all reasonable
precautions to protect the persons and property of the City or others from damage, loss,
or injury resulting from any and all operations under its maintenance provider
agreement.
(iii) The maintenance provider shall be solely responsible for injuries to any and all persons,
including death, and damage to any and all property arising out of or related to the
operations under its maintenance provider agreement, whether or not due to the
negligence of the maintenance provider, including but not limited to injuries or damages
resulting from the acts or omissions of any of its employees, agents, servants,
contractors, subcontractors, or any other person.
(iv) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the maintenance provider shall indemnify, defend,
and hold the City and its officials and employees harmless against any and all claims,
liens, demands, judgments, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs, and
expenses of whatever kind or nature (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and
disbursements) arising out of or related to any of the operations under its maintenance
provider agreement (regardless of whether or not the maintenance provider itself had
been negligent) and/or the maintenance provider’s failure to comply with the law or any
of the requirements of its maintenance provider agreement. Insofar as the facts or law
relating to any of the foregoing would preclude the City or its officials and employees
from being completely indemnified by the maintenance provider, the City and its officials
and employees shall be partially indemnified by the maintenance provider to the fullest
extent permitted by law.
(v) The maintenance provider’s obligation to defend, indemnify, and hold the City and its
officers and employees harmless shall not be (1) limited in any way by the maintenance
provider’s obligations to obtain and maintain insurance under its maintenance provider
agreement, nor (2) adversely affected by any failure on the part of the City or its officers
and employees to avail themselves of the benefits of such insurance.
(10) Equipment.
(i) All field personnel must be equipped with proper safety equipment and attire to perform work
in the adopted segment, including but not limited to: orange safety vests, safety helmets,
durable work gloves, long pants, and substantial leather footwear with ankle support.
(ii) Maintenance providers must have at least one heavy duty truck compliant with all federal,
State, and City requirements.
(iii) All trucks used for the Adopt-a-Highway program must be equipped with:
(A) A truck mounted safety attenuator system designed and certified for use on vehicles
to provide a safety crash cushion between approaching traffic and roadway workers.
Truck mounted safety attenuators must be in good working order to meet or exceed the
National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report #230 testing criteria for vehicles
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weighing from 1,800 - 45,000 pounds, including any updates of that report.
(B) A flashing arrow board, appropriately mounted, facing oncoming traffic. The board
must be a minimum of 3’ x 5’ and must comply with all federal and State standards for
traffic directional arrow boards used on highways. In operating mode, it must provide:
1. FLASHING ARROW (5 lamp overhead, 3 lamp stem, both flashing simultaneously,
50% on and 50% off, right or left.)
2. DOUBLE FLASHING ARROW (5 lamp arrowheads at both ends, joined by and
flashing simultaneously with 1 lamp center bar, 50% on and 50% off.)
3. TRAVEL MODE (lamps positioned in center bar, 50% on and 50% off.)
(C) Vehicle markings that include stripes on the back and sides of the vehicle and
signage that indicates “SLOW MOVING” or “CAUTION” to oncoming traffic
(iv) At least one vehicle per adopted segment must have a two-way radio communication
device.
(v) Maintenance providers must provide field personnel with green, black, or white plastic
garbage bags, at least .003 mm thick and no larger than 33” x 45” for litter and debris
pickup.
(11) Subcontracting. Subcontracting of litter pickup at the adopted segment is not permitted.
Maintenance providers may subcontract other maintenance services. All subcontractors must
be approved by the Department prior to performing any work at any adopted segment, obtain
all insurance as required of maintenance providers by this section, and comply with the terms
of the maintenance provider permit, the Adopt-a-Highway Guidelines published by the
Department, any other terms and conditions as required by the Department, and all applicable
laws, rules, and regulations.
(12) Hazardous debris removal. Maintenance provider field personnel must not touch or
attempt to remove materials from the adopted segment which may be toxic or otherwise
hazardous. Items to avoid include powders, chemicals, smelly substances, suspicious
packages, chemical drums or containers, weapons, medical waste, syringes or hypodermic
needles, dead animals, or bulk items that cannot be put in litter bags (such as car parts or
larger items). Maintenance provider field personnel must immediately notify the Department of
the location of these items.
(13) Notifications to the Department.
(i) Maintenance providers must provide the Department with a weekly proposed work
schedule by Wednesday (5 p.m.) of the week prior to the work being performed.
(A) Work schedules must be typed and in a format approved by the Department, and
must include segment number, sponsor name, highway, direction, mile marker to and
from, and scheduled cleaning date.
(ii) By 9:00 A.M. of each day that maintenance providers will be performing maintenance
services, they must submit to the Department a schedule of that day’s maintenance
activities including any changes not reflected on their weekly schedule.
(iii) If circumstances warrant that maintenance providers must amend their maintenance
services while performing maintenance services, the maintenance providers must notify
the Department immediately of such changes.
(14) Failure to maintain adopted segments. Maintenance providers will be notified as
follows if the Department determines that an adopted segment was not maintained as
scheduled:
(i) First observation. If, upon inspection, the Department observes that an adopted
segment was not maintained as scheduled, the Department will verbally provide the
maintenance provider with 24-hour notice to perform the required maintenance services.
At the end of the 24-hour period, if the maintenance provider has not performed required
maintenance services, the Department will provide written notification that the
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(3) Renewals. The Department will mail volunteers a renewal volunteer agreement one month
prior to expiration of the current volunteer agreement. Volunteers must return the signed
volunteer agreement one week prior to the expiration of the volunteer agreement or the
area will be considered abandoned, the recognition panel will be removed, and the adopted
segment will be made available to the next adopter on the waiting list.
(4) Adopted segment improvements. Any improvements to the adopted segment such as
plantings or structures, including, but not limited to, flagpoles, benches, bird feeders or
baths, retaining walls, and light houses, must be approved by the Department prior to
installation.
(5) Use of pesticides. Volunteers may only use pesticides approved by the Department in the
adopted segment. Pesticides may only be applied by New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation Certified Pesticide Applicators.
(6) Liability waiver. Volunteers must sign a liability waiver that waives any liability to the City
for any accident or injury that may occur at the adopted segment while the volunteers are
performing maintenance services at the adopted segment.
(7) Frequency of maintenance services. Volunteers must perform maintenance services at
their adopted segments at least 30 times per year. This includes a requirement to clean the
adopted segment a minimum of three times per month in May, June, July, August,
September, and October and a minimum of twice a month every other month during the
year.
(8) Age of field personnel. Volunteer personnel working on adopted segments must be 18
years of age or older.
(9) Safety.
(i) Prior to the commencement of work at the adopted segment, the Department will
inspect the adopted segment to assure that it is a safe place for the volunteers to perform
maintenance services without the closing of traffic lanes.
(ii) Volunteers must adhere to the following safety rules when performing work on the
adopted segment:
(A) Only allow persons 18 or older and in good physical condition (sight, hearing, and
mental alertness) to work in the adopted segment.
(B) When the volunteer is a group, a volunteer group leader must be designated by the
group. The volunteer group leader is responsible for providing information on safety to
the group and must conduct a safety training refresher session before performing any
maintenance services.
(C) Park no closer than the nearest side street or service road to the adopted segment
and never on the highway.
(D) Wear appropriate attire including, but not limited to: highway safety vests and
orange or red clothing; heavy work gloves; work shoes or boots with ankle support;
hats; and long pants.
(E) Never drink alcoholic beverages or use illegal substances while working at the
adopted segment.
(F) Never perform maintenance services on the roadway.
(G) Stay off steep slopes when working at the adopted segment.
(H) Have a first aid kit on site at the adopted segment and know the route to the closest
hospital/emergency room.
(I) Never pick-up hazardous or medical waste found at the adopted segment and
immediately notify the Department of such waste.
(K) Never use headphones while performing maintenance services on the adopted
segment.
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(L) Avoid contact with poisonous plants and notify the Department of any poisonous
plants found at the adopted segment.
(M) Never cross the highway for any reason.
(N) Never enter the highway or its shoulder area to pick up trash.
(10) Notice after performing maintenance services. Volunteers should notify the
Department after performing maintenance services at the adopted segment so that the
Department can schedule pick-up of the trash bags.
(11) Recycling. Volunteers should recycle whenever possible when performing maintenance
services.
(i) Changing adopted segments. Adopters may exchange their existing segment for another
segment in the system provided that the other segment is available. The Adopt-A-Highway sign
must stay at the original adopted segment. The Department will remove the recognition panel
portion of the sign containing the adopter’s name from the original segment and use it for the new
segment.
(j) Reserving segments. Adopters may not reserve or hold segments. Once a permit has been
issued for a segment, the maintenance provider or volunteer must begin performing maintenance
services in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit within such time as is specified
in the sponsor agreement and/or volunteer agreement.
(k) Adopt-a-Highway Signs.
(1) Signs are produced and maintained by the maintenance provider or volunteer and must be
delivered to the Department for installation no later than one month after the permit for an
adopted segment is approved.
(2) Sign installation.
(i) Ground mounted signs will be installed by the Department as close to the beginning of
the adopted segment as feasible, taking into consideration safety and other informational
signage.
(ii) Signs requiring bridge, gantry wall, or parapet mounting will be installed by the
Department or a contractor approved by the Department, and paid for by the maintenance
provider or volunteer.
(3) All signs posted at the adopted segment must:
(i) consist of a standard base sign design with a removable recognition panel identifying
the sponsor’s or volunteer’s name and/or logo;
(ii) conform to the Department’s specifications for size, shape, materials, and placement;
(iii) not be used for advertising purposes; and
(iv) comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
(4) Where litter pick-up, trimming and/or mechanical sweeping are the services provided, the
sign will read “LITTER REMOVAL.”
(5) Where other services are provided the signs will read “BEAUTIFICATION.”
(6) Signs on elevated highway segments must be 4’ x 4.5’ and hung on lampposts.
(7) Signs on the Henry Hudson Parkway must be larger than 4’ x 4.5’ to accommodate two
recognition panels.
(8) Maintenance providers and volunteers must replace damaged or stolen signs.
(9) When an adopter terminates its agreement with the Adopt-a-Highway program, the
adopter must not remove the sign. The Department will remove the recognition panel portion
of the sign.
(l) Field inspections of adopted segments. The Department will perform inspections of the
adopted segment to assure that maintenance providers and volunteers are performing
maintenance services as required under their permits and agreements.
(m) Voiding and revoking permits.
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(1) If an adopter does not perform maintenance services at an adopted segment one month
after permit issuance, the Department will notify the adopter orally and in writing that its permit
has become void.
(2) The Department may revoke a volunteer or maintenance provider permit for a permittee’s
failure to comply with this section, the requirements of the permit, the Adopt-a-Highway
technical guidelines, and any applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
(i) Prior to revoking a permit the Department will give the permittee an opportunity to be
heard with at least two days notice.
(ii) If the Department determines that an imminent peril to life or property exists, the
Department may revoke a permit without providing the permittee an opportunity to be
heard prior to such revocation. Upon request of the permittee, the Department will provide
the permittee an opportunity to present its objections to such action within five days after
the Department receives the request.
(3) The Department will assign the segment of the voided or revoked permit to the next
sponsor or volunteer on the waiting list or place the segment on the available segment list.
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ADOPT-A-GREENWAY PROGRAM
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Adopt-a-Greenway Program is to enlist the help of maintenance
providers, sponsors, and/or volunteers to assist in cleaning and beautifying the City’s
greenways through litter and graffiti removal, tree trimming, sweeping, mowing, planting flowers
or trees, snow removal and other landscape maintenance along designated greenway routes.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) Adopted segment means a particular section of the greenway designated by the
Commissioner to be adopted by a sponsor or volunteer participating in the Adopt-a-
Greenway Program.
(2) Adopter means a sponsor or a volunteer approved by the Department to be a participant
in the Adopt-a-Greenway Program.
(3) Maintenance provider means a business entity approved by the Department to provide
professional maintenance services on an adopted segment according to a permit issued
by the Department.
(4) Maintenance provider agreement means a written agreement between a maintenance
provider and the Department.
(5) Maintenance services means work performed at the adopted segments that may
include, but is not necessarily limited to, litter removal, snow removal, tree trimming,
graffiti removal, sweeping, mowing, planting flowers or trees, and other landscape
maintenance.
(6) Sponsor means any individual, business, corporation, or organization that enters into an
agreement with a maintenance provider to perform maintenance services in a designated
adopted segment.
(7) Sponsor agreement means a written agreement between a sponsor and a maintenance
provider.
(8) Volunteer means any individual or group, other than those employed by a maintenance
provider, who enters into a volunteer agreement with the Department to perform
maintenance services on an adopted segment without compensation, and in accordance
with a permit issued by the Department.
(9) Volunteer agreement means a written agreement between the volunteer adopting an
adopted segment and the Department.
(c) General requirements.
(1) Applications for Participation.
(i) Sponsors. Any individual, business, corporation or organization who desires to
participate in the Adopt-a-Greenway Program as a sponsor must obtain from the
Department a list of maintenance providers with whom the sponsor may enter into a
maintenance provider agreement.
(ii) Maintenance providers. Any business entity who desires to participate in the Adopt-a-
Greenway Program as a maintenance provider must submit an application by mail or
electronically to the Department using the Department’s Adopt-a-Greenway Maintenance
Provider and Related Services Application.
(iii) Volunteers. Any individual or group who desires to participate in the Adopt-a-
Greenway Program as a volunteer must submit an application by mail or electronically to
the Department using the Department’s Adopt-a-Greenway Volunteer Application.
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collection occurs between those two parties. The Department has the right to review the
sponsor agreement.
(ii) A sponsor enters into a contract with a maintenance provider for a particular segment
with agreed upon levels of service. Both the sponsor and maintenance provider then sign
and submit a maintenance provider work permit application. Once the work permit
application is approved by the Department, the sponsor has the right to that adopted
segment for the duration of the work permit's terms and conditions.
(iii) Sponsors may change maintenance providers and still retain rights to the adopted
segment as long as the new maintenance provider has been approved by the
Department.
(2) Sponsor obligations. It is the sponsor’s obligation to ensure that the maintenance provider’s
services are rendered as agreed upon in the sponsor agreement and in accordance with the
maintenance provider agreement and maintenance provider permit.
(3) Term of adoption.
(i) Sponsors wishing to adopt a segment must commit to a minimum of a one-year
agreement with a Department-approved maintenance provider.
(ii) Adopted segments that need landscaping require sponsor commitment for a minimum
of two years.
(4) Maintenance provider qualifications. Maintenance providers must be approved by the
Department to participate in the Adopt-a-Greenway Program. Maintenance providers must
have a minimum of one year of maintenance experience similar to that as defined as
maintenance services in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of this section and one year of
administrative experience. Maintenance Providers must conform with the requirements of
VENDEX, New York City’s automated system check on background, performance, tax, and
contact information for businesses that contract with the City.
(5) Maintenance provider obligations. Maintenance providers act as independent
contractors for sponsors. Maintenance providers are responsible for:
(i) Entering into and maintaining a maintenance provider agreement with the Department.
(ii) Reaching a sponsor agreement with a sponsor and informing sponsors of maintenance
services completed.
(iii) Coordinating all maintenance services and requirements with the Department.
(iv) Submitting a maintenance provider work permit application and performing all
administrative work associated with the program including billing and related services with the
sponsor.
(v) Performing all maintenance services in accordance with the maintenance provider
agreement and maintenance provider permit.
(vi) Maintaining records for each adopted segment including:
- Name of sponsor
- Description and length of each adopted segment
- Gross value (including in-kind goods and services) of sponsor contribution
- Levels of maintenance services provided
- Time period covered by the maintenance provider’s agreement with the sponsor
(vii) Supplying all labor, equipment and capital resources necessary to perform the
maintenance services in accordance with the maintenance provider agreement and
maintenance provider permit.
(viii) Picking-up and bagging litter and clippings; placing bags and bulk debris on the
shoulder of each adopted segment.
(ix) When transporting field personnel to adopted segments, such field personnel must be
transported in commercial vehicles.
(x) Performing maintenance services only during hours specified in the maintenance provider
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permit.
(xi) Ordering a sign as soon as the maintenance provider work permit application is approved
by the Department.
(xii) Providing a sign to the Department for installation at the adopted segment.
(xiii) Maintaining the sign so that it is dirt and graffiti free and unobstructed.
(xiv) Recycling whenever possible when performing maintenance services.
(xv) Submitting a maintenance services schedule to the Department.
(6) Field Personnel. Maintenance provider field personnel performing maintenance services
must be 18 years of age or older. Every adopted segment must have a supervisor who can
speak and understand English. All drivers must possess a valid commercial driver’s license.
(7) Safety.
(i) Maintenance providers must be familiar with and comply with Part 6 of the most recent
version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways
(MUTCD), published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the New York State
Supplement “Work Zone Traffic Control” and “Vegetation Control for Safety, A Guide for
Street and Highway Maintenance Personnel,” by the FHWA, Office of Highway Safety.
Any lane closing schemes must be presented for approval to the Department’s Office of
Construction Mitigation and Coordination, and a maintenance provider permit must be
issued before commencing maintenance services.
(ii) Maintenance providers are required to have every field employee complete a Department-
approved safety training program each year.
(8) Insurance.
(i) From the date any maintenance provider agreement is executed through the date
of its expiration or termination, the maintenance provider must ensure that the types of
insurance indicated in this section are obtained and remain in force, and that such
insurance adheres to all requirements herein. The maintenance provider is authorized to
undertake or maintain operations under its maintenance provider agreement only during
the effective period of all required coverage.
(ii) Types of required insurance.
(A) Commercial General Liability insurance. The maintenance provider shall
maintain Commercial General Liability insurance in the amount of at least One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and at least Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000)
aggregate. This insurance shall protect the insureds from claims for property damage
and/or bodily injury, including death, that may arise from any of the operations under
the maintenance provider agreement. Coverage shall be at least as broad as that
provided by the most recently issued Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) Form CG
0001, and shall be "occurrence"-based rather than "claims-made." The City, together
with its officials and employees, shall be an Additional Insured with coverage at least
as broad as the most recent edition of ISO Form CG 2026.
(B) Workers’ Compensation, Employers Liability, and Disability Benefits
insurance. The maintenance provider shall maintain such insurance on behalf of, or
with regard to, all employees involved in the maintenance provider’s operations under
its maintenance provider agreement to the full extent required by the laws of the State
of New York.
(C) Business Automobile Liability insurance. With regard to all operations under
its maintenance provider agreement, the maintenance provider shall maintain or
cause to be maintained Business Automobile Liability insurance in the amount of at
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least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) each accident (combined single limit) for
liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of any owned, non-owned or
hired vehicles. Coverage shall be at least as broad as the latest edition of ISO Form
CA0001.
(iii) General requirements for insurance coverage and policies.
(A) Policies of insurance required under this section shall be provided by companies
that may lawfully issue such policy and have an A.M. Best rating of at least A- / “VII” or
a Standard and Poor’s rating of at least A, unless prior written approval is obtained
from the Department.
(B) Policies of insurance required under this section shall be primary and non-
contributing to any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City.
(C) There shall be no self-insurance program with regard to any insurance required
under this section unless approved in writing by the Department. The maintenance
provider shall ensure that any such self-insurance program provides the City with all
rights that would be provided by traditional insurance under this section, including but
not limited to the defense and indemnification obligations that insurers are required to
undertake in liability policies.
(D) The City’s limits of coverage for all types of insurance required under this section
for which it is an Additional Insured shall be the greater of (1) the minimum limits set
forth in this section or (2) the limits provided to the maintenance provider under all
primary, excess and umbrella policies covering operations under its maintenance
provider agreement.
(iv) Proof of Insurance.
(A) Certificates of Insurance for all insurance required in this section must be
submitted to and accepted by the Department prior to or upon execution of any
maintenance provider agreement.
(B) For Commercial General Liability insurance and Business Automobile Liability
insurance, the maintenance provider shall submit one or more Certificates of
Insurance in a form acceptable to the Department. All such Certificates of Insurance
shall certify (1) the issuance and effectiveness of such policies of insurance, each with
the specified minimum limits, and (2) the status of the City as Additional Insured under
the Commercial General Liability policy, as required herein. All such Certificates of
Insurance shall be accompanied by either a duly executed “Certification by Broker” in
the form required by the Department or certified copies of all policies referenced in
such Certificate of Insurance.
(C) Certificates of Insurance confirming renewals of insurance shall be submitted to
the Department prior to the expiration date of coverage of all policies required under
any maintenance provider agreement. Such Certificates of Insurance shall comply
with clause (B) of this subparagraph.
(D) Acceptance or approval by the Department of a Certificate of Insurance or any
other matter does not waive the maintenance provider’s obligation to ensure that
insurance fully consistent with the requirements of this section is secured and
maintained, nor does it waive the maintenance provider’s liability for its failure to do
so.
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(E) The maintenance provider shall be obligated to provide the City with a copy
of any policy of insurance required under this section upon request by the
Department or the New York City Law Department.
(v) Other insurance requirements.
(A) The maintenance provider may satisfy its insurance obligations under this section
through primary policies or a combination of primary and excess/umbrella policies, so
long as all policies provide the scope of coverage required herein.
(B) The maintenance provider shall be solely responsible for the payment of all
premiums for all policies and all deductibles or self-insured retentions to which they are
subject, whether or not the City is an insured under the policy.
(C) Where notice of loss, damage, occurrence, accident, claim, or suit is required under
a policy maintained in accordance with this section, the maintenance provider shall
notify in writing all insurance carriers that issued potentially responsive policies of any
such event relating to any operations under its maintenance provider agreement
(including notice to Commercial General Liability insurance carriers for events relating
to the maintenance provider’s own employees) no later than 20 days after such event.
For any policy where the City is an Additional Insured, such notice shall expressly
specify that “this notice is being given on behalf of the City of New York as Insured as
well as the Named Insured.” Such notice shall also contain the following information:
the number of the insurance policy, the name of the named insured, the date and
location of the damage, occurrence, or accident, and the identity of the persons or
things injured, damaged, or lost. The maintenance provider shall simultaneously send a
copy of such notice to the City of New York c/o Insurance Claims Specialist, Affirmative
Litigation Division, New York City Law Department, 100 Church Street, New York, New
York 10007.
(D) The maintenance provider’s failure to secure and maintain insurance in complete
conformity with this section or to do anything else required by this section shall
constitute a material breach of the maintenance provider agreement. Such breach shall
not be waived or otherwise excused by any action or inaction by the City at any time.
(E) Insurance coverage in the minimum amounts provided for in this section shall not
relieve the maintenance provider of any liability under its maintenance provider
agreement, nor shall it preclude the City from exercising any rights or taking such other
actions as are available to it under any other provisions of its maintenance provider
agreement or the law.
(F) The maintenance provider waives all rights against the City, including its officials and
employees, for any damages or losses that are covered under any insurance required
under this section (whether or not such insurance is actually procured or claims are paid
thereunder) or any other insurance applicable to the operations of the maintenance
provider and/or its employees, agents, or servants of its contractors or subcontractors.
(G) In the event the maintenance provider requires any entity, by contract or otherwise,
to procure insurance with regard to any operations under its maintenance provider
agreement and requires such entity to name the maintenance provider as an additional
insured under such insurance, the maintenance provider shall ensure that such entity
also names the City, including its officials and employees, as an additional insured with
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(iv) Three months prior to a maintenance provider agreement renewal date, the Department
will provide sponsors with a letter reminding the sponsor that it may switch maintenance
providers, as well as a list of all current maintenance providers with contact information.
(16) Changes in levels of service. The Department may change the minimum levels of service
for an adopted segment and will notify the adopter of such changes in levels of service no fewer
than 30 days prior to such change in levels of service being in effect.
(h) Volunteers.
(1) Term of adoption. Volunteers wishing to adopt a segment must commit to a minimum of
a one-year agreement with the Department to perform maintenance services at the adopted
segment.
(2) Volunteer obligations. Volunteers are responsible for:
(i) Entering into a volunteer agreement with the Department.
(ii) Coordinating all maintenance services and requirements with the Department.
(iii) Submitting a volunteer permit application to the Department.
(iv) Performing all maintenance services in accordance with the volunteer agreement and
volunteer permit.
(v) Supplying all labor to perform the maintenance services in accordance with the
volunteer agreement and the volunteer permit.
(vi) Picking up and bagging litter and clippings and leaving them for pick-up as directed by
the Department.
(vii) Working on adopted segments only during hours specified in the volunteer permit.
(viii) Submitting a form to the Department after the first two months of maintaining the
adopted segment to request that the Department manufacture and install a sign at the
adopted segment.
(ix) Maintaining the sign so it is dirt free and unobstructed.
(x) Attending safety training sessions provided by the Department.
(xi) Having the volunteer permit on hand while working at the adopted segment.
(3) Renewals. The Department will mail volunteers a renewal volunteer agreement one month
prior to expiration of the current volunteer agreement. Volunteers must return the signed
volunteer agreement one week prior to the expiration of the volunteer agreement or the area
will be considered abandoned, the acknowledgement sign will be removed, and the adopted
segment will be made available to the next adopter on the waiting list.
(4) Adopted segment improvements. Any improvements to the adopted segment such as
plantings or structures, including, but not limited to, flagpoles, benches, bird feeders or baths,
retaining walls, and light houses, must be approved by the Department prior to installation.
(5) Use of pesticides. Volunteers may only use pesticides approved by the Department in the
adopted segment. Pesticides may only be applied by New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation Certified Pesticide Applicators.
(6) Liability waiver. Volunteers must sign a liability waiver that waives any liability to the City
for any accident or injury that may occur at the adopted segment while the volunteers are
performing maintenance services at the adopted segment.
(7) Frequency of maintenance services. Volunteers must perform maintenance services at
their adopted segments at least 30 times per year. This includes a requirement to clean the
adopted segment a minimum of three times per month in May, June, July, August, September,
and October and a minimum of twice a month every other month during the year.
(8) Age of volunteer field personnel. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph,
volunteer field personnel working on adopted segments must be 18 years of age or older.
(i) If the volunteer is a group:
(A) Any minor 15 years of age and older within such group shall be required to provide
written consent from a parent or guardian prior to participating in the maintenance
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(k) Sharing segments. Upon approval by the Department, adopters may share the rights and
maintenance services associated with a particular segment with one other adopter. Each adopter
must comply with all other requirements of this section, any agreement the adopter or maintenance
provider enters into with the Department related to the Adopt-a-Greenway Program, the terms of
the permit issued by the Department, the Adopt-a-Greenway technical guidelines published by the
Department, any other terms and conditions as required by the Department, and all other
applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
(l) Adopt-a-Greenway Signs.
(1) Signs are produced and maintained by the maintenance provider or volunteer and must
be delivered to the Department for installation no later than one month after the permit for
an adopted segment is approved.
(2)Sign installation.
(i) Ground mounted signs will be installed by the Department as close to the
beginning of the adopted segment as feasible, taking into consideration safety and
other informational signage.
(ii) Signs requiring bridge, gantry wall, or parapet mounting will be installed by the
Department or a contractor approved by the Department, and paid for by the
maintenance provider or volunteer.
(3) All signs posted at the adopted segment must:
(i) consist of a standard base sign design identifying the sponsor’s or volunteer’s
name and/or logo;
(ii) conform to the Department’s specifications for size, shape, materials, and
placement;
(iii) not be used for advertising purposes; and
(iv) comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
(4) Signs will read “BEAUTIFICATION.”
(5) Maintenance providers and volunteers must replace damaged or stolen signs.
(6) When an adopter terminates its agreement with the Adopt-a-Greenway program, the
adopter must not remove the sign. The Department will remove it.
(m) Field inspections of adopted segments. The Department will perform inspections of the
adopted segment to assure that maintenance providers and volunteers are performing
maintenance services as required under their permits and agreements.
(n) Voiding and revoking permits.
(1) If an adopter does not perform maintenance services at an adopted segment one month
after permit issuance, the Department will notify the adopter orally and in writing that its
permit has become void.
(2) The Department may revoke a volunteer or maintenance provider permit for a permittee’s
failure to comply with this section, the requirements of the permit, the Adopt-a-Greenway
technical guidelines, and any applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
(i) Prior to revoking a permit the Department will give the permittee an opportunity to be
heard with at least two days notice.
(ii) If the Department determines that an imminent peril to life or property exists, the
Department may revoke a permit without providing the permittee an opportunity to be
heard prior to such revocation. Upon request of the permittee, the Department will provide
the permittee an opportunity to present its objections to such action within five days after
the Department receives the request.
(3) The Department will assign the segment of the voided or revoked permit to the next
sponsor or volunteer on the waiting list or place the segment on the available segment list.
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MICROTRENCHING
(a) Incorporation by Reference of the Microtrenching Rules Promulgated by the New York City
Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications as Chapter 1 of Title 67 of the
Rules of the City of New York. Except where inconsistent with this Title, the microtrenching
rules promulgated by the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
(DOITT) in Chapter 1 of Title 67 of the Rules of the City of New York are hereby incorporated
by reference into this Chapter as rules of the Department of Transportation.
(b) Microtrenching:
(1) A telecommunications franchisee applicant for a microtrenching permit from the
Department must obtain a certification that no excess capacity is available in the location
covered by such permit from DOITT pursuant to Chapter 1 of Title 67 of the Rules of the
City of New York. The applicant must submit that certification to the Department of
Transportation as part of the application for a permit.
(2) A street opening permit for installation of telecommunications conduit utilizing
microtrenching must be obtained from the Department, pursuant to §2-02, after obtaining a
certification from DOITT. Fees must be paid pursuant to §2-03 of these rules.
(3) A street opening permit must be obtained for the removal of conduits installed pursuant
to this section and the restoration of the sidewalk or roadway. Such sidewalk or roadway
restoration must be performed in accordance with the Department’s specifications.
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