NYC DOT - Street Works Permits

NYC DOT issues over 150 different types of sidewalk and roadway construction permits to utilities, contractors, government agencies and homeowners. Permits cover activities such as street openings, sidewalk construction and installing canopies over sidewalks.

What Types of Permits can I get from NYC DOT?
ما هي أنواع التصاريح التي يمكنني الحصول من DOT؟
ডিওটি (DOT) থেকে আমি কি ধরণের অনুমতি পেতে পারি?
DOT 會發給我什麼類型的許可證？
Ki Kalite Pèmi Mwen Kapab Resevwa nan DOT?
Che tipo di permessi si possono ottenere dal DOT?
DOT에서 어떤 종류의 허가를 받을 수 있습니까?
Jakiego typu zezwolenia można uzyskać od DOT?
Какой тип разрешения может выдать DOT?
¿Qué tipos de permisos puedo obtener del Departamento de Transporte (DOT)?

On this Page

Applying for NYC DOT Permits

Street and Construction Permits

Overdimensional Vehicle Permits

NYC Business Owners Bill of Rights

Applying for NYC DOT Permits

Apply for a street or sidewalk construction permit online at nycstreets.net
Review updated procedures for NYC DOT’s Permit Management offices
Translations of NYC DOT Licenses, Permit Applications & Registrations
Request a confirmation number for a protected street permit
Check the status of active street construction permits

Street and Construction Permits

Street Works Manual

NYC DOT publishes the Street Works Manual, a resource for everyone that performs work in New York City streets, from utilities and contractors installing, replacing and repairing underground infrastructure to developers replacing roadways and sidewalks adjacent to building sites and homeowners performing their own sidewalk repairs. The manual covers advance planning of construction projects, all construction-related NYC DOT permits, and how and when to obtain these permits.
Visit the Street Works Manual
Download a brochure on Excavation Safety Alerts (pdf)
Learn about reducing emissions (Local Law 77)

Plans and Guidelines for Sidewalks, Curbs, and Roadways

Owners developing property are required to have a sidewalk, curb and paved roadway along the public right-of-way abutting the property. The Instructions for Filing Plans and Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalks, Curbs, Roadways and Other Infrastructure Components (pdf) describe the documentation that must be submitted to the satisfaction of NYC DOT.

Work Zones & ADA Compliance

NYC DOT has a strong commitment to ensuring pedestrian accessibility within the public right of way. Review this information and ensure that all work is conducted in accordance with local, State and Federal standards to maintain an accessible path of travel.
Review our Work Zones & ADA Compliance Guidelines

Guidelines for the Maintenance and Protection of Traffic Plan (MPT)

The Guidelines for the Maintenance and Protection of Traffic Plan (MPT) help provide a safe work area for workers within the roadway. MPTs also facilitate the safe and orderly flow of all road users through work zones.
Guidelines for the Maintenance and Protection of Traffic Plan (Work Zone Traffic Control Manual)
Guidelines for the Maintenance and Protection of Traffic Plan for Cycling (pdf)
View additional rules and specifications in the NYC DOT Library

Construction Project Informational Signs

NYC DOT permittees are required to post information signs for projects projected to last three months or more.
Learn more about Construction Signs

Sidewalk Sheds/Scaffolding

When putting up, taking down, or maintaining a sidewalk shed/scaffolding in NYC, you may need to obtain separate construction activity permits from NYC DOT in addition to the sidewalk shed permit issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB).
Additional Information on activities that may require these permits.

Commercial Refuse Container Permits

NYC DOT requires carting companies to obtain a permit for each commercial refuse container (CRC) placed on a city street. The CRC permit allows NYC DOT to track placement of containers, preventing conflicts with scheduled construction work or special events. This five day permit is separate from the 30 to 90 day Debris Container permit used for construction activity that qualifies the contractor on site to apply for a separate NYC DOT permit as long as it’s in conjunction with the appropriate DOB permits or other minor construction activity.

Login to apply for a permit
More about Commercial Refuse Container Permits

Construction Embargoes & Protected Streets

If NYC DOT declares a construction embargo, only emergency work may be performed in the affected area during the embargo.
Check the list of embargoes

Streets that have been resurfaced or reconstructed in the last five years are protected from street openings, except for emergency work. NYC DOT publishes future protected streets to assist in planning work.
Current list of protected streets

Winter Moratorium (Restoration) Policy

The Winter Moratorium period begins December 1 and ends on March 31. This policy applies to permits that expire during the Winter Moratorium period. Permittees must either restore the base and wearing course of their roadway and/or sidewalk openings with temporary pavement or complete final restoration during this period provided there is a valid permit on file.
NYC DOT Winter Moratorium (Restoration) Policy

Inspections & Enforcement

NYC DOT enforces the laws and rules that govern the way utilities, plumbers, contractors, other governmental agencies, and property owners perform work on the City's sidewalks, roadways and highways. NYC DOT's HIQA inspectors also review work sites for compliance with permit stipulations, and issue violations when they find non-compliance with the laws and rules.
Learn more about HIQA and Permit Enforcement

Construction Advisory Committee

NYC DOT's Construction Advisory Committee (CAC) hosts meetings about construction and construction permits in NYC. CAC meetings help stakeholders stay informed about changes that may impact the industry. During some CAC meetings, participants may ask questions to agencies including NYC DOT, NYPD Traffic, DOB, NYC Parks and DEP.
Construction Advisory Committee November 2021 Presentation (pdf)
Construction Advisory Committee April 2021 Presentation (pdf)
NYC Safe Digging Around Gas Facilities (pdf)

Overdimensional Vehicle Permits

NYC DOT issues permits that allow overdimensional vehicles to travel on New York City streets.
Learn more about truck restrictions and permits

NYC Business Owners Bill of Rights

The City of New York provides certain rights to business owners regarding customer service, permits and inspections.
Review NYC’s Business Owners Bill of Rights